1/6/1987 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

to a touristtype thing - whether it be protecting ourselves in an emergency or providing beach accesses, etc. Commissioner Bird did see justification for using some of those funds for restoration as the tourists use the beaches, and inquired.what the law says as to our ability to split the funds. Attorney Vitunac explained that the law sets out the composition of the Tourist Development Council, which calls for someone from every wing of the industry as well as from the cities and county. That Council sets up a specific plan for the spending of the funds, and that's what is voted on and brought back to this Board. Chairman Scurlock advised that City Manager Little expressed a strong desire on the City Council's part to have us pass this thing in a form that would allow their 55% to be spent on beach nourishment, and, in fact, indicated if that was not done, they would vigorously oppose the passage of the tax. Commissioner Eggert felt much progress had been made in recent years towards greater cooperation between the cities and County, and she was sorry to see any division occurring. Commissioner Bird concurred that, especially this year to get this off the ground and rolling, it is important for us to have as much unanimity as we can among the various govern- mental bodies involved. Chairman Scurlock commented that he reminded City Manager Little that the Corps of Engineers is once again asking for our financial commitment to the beach renourishment program, and since the county still has to be the sponsoring agency, it is very important that good cooperation exist because the tourist tax funds are a mere pittance compared to the overall Coastal Management Plan and renourishment project. Also, there are other municipalities in this county, and Sebastian, in particular, is growing very rapidly. The Chairman felt we need to send a message that we are willing to compromise and we would not object 45 JAN 63 1987 Boor. Fig: