(a) Any law to the contrary notwithstanding, effective January 1 following June 2, 1999, an annual business license fee of one hundred fifty dollars ($150) is imposed on all corporations, firms, brokers, agents, and other persons or entities engaged in Etowah County in the business of buying, selling, managing, leasing, or renting of real estate on commission in Etowah County. The license fee shall be paid annually, at the same time as the license fee imposed under Section 40-12-149 is paid and shall be remitted to the License Commissioner of Etowah County on forms developed by the commissioner.
(b) After subtracting two dollars ($2) from each license as an administrative fee, the License Commissioner of Etowah County shall distribute the proceeds from the license fees collected pursuant to this section to each city and municipality in Etowah County on a pro rata basis according to population.