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Commissioner Bird was also concerned about any improvements <br />that might be required on U.S. #1 because of the development of <br />this project. He felt we need to do a little preliminary <br />research in that area so that we don't get into a tremendous <br />expense on the U.S. #1 corridor. <br />Attorney Vitunac advised that there are several ways to <br />borrow the money once there is an affirmative vote of the people, <br />i.e., bond anticipation note, tax anticipation note, M.S.T.U. , <br />special district, general fund, and even revenue bonds if the <br />Board thinks this park will make revenue. There are at least 6 <br />different ways to do this, and if the Board will give some <br />direction, staff can define those options. <br />Commissioner Bird understood that staff would look at all <br />those options in their review. He pointed out that we have about <br />90,000 people in this county, and felt the only problem with a <br />binding referendum is that a person who pays $10,000 in taxes has <br />one vote just like the person who pays zero tax. Unfortunately, <br />a referendum may be the only or best vehicle we have to get a <br />k <br />reading from the taxpayers in this County as to whether they are <br />willing to support such a project. <br />Commissioner Scurlock emphasized that is the reason he likes <br />the 1 -cent optional sales tax. <br />Attorney Chandler asked if there was any flexibility in the <br />45 -day timeframe from Mr. Ewing, and Mr. Fletcher advised that <br />the $2.5 million price was based on a referendum situation, but <br />felt that if Mr. Ewing senses a genuine interest from the County <br />Commission, there is a possibility of negotiating a better price. <br />Commissioner Bird asked again for assurance that MJGPS would <br />handle the restoration, maintenance, and operation of this site <br />in the future, and Mr. Fletcher confirmed that they have within <br />their members the expertise to do that. Their plan is to raise <br />$1 -million to place in an permanent endowment fund that in turn <br />would generate $75,000-$90,000 a year for the base operation and <br />19 <br />APR 2 51989 <br />EUOK FauE 6S9 <br />