6/16/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Discussion ensued, with OMB Director Joe Baird and Commissioner Wheeler recounting the meetings of the Tourist Council and the reasons for their decisions. J. B. Norton, Chamber of Commerce Chairman, presented a study entitled "Marketing Plan for Fiscal Year 1992-93," which detailed the research and resulting information which was used to formulate the recommended 1992-93 budget. Commissioner Scurlock asked, and Director Baird clarified that if the Board approved the recommended budget at this time, it would still be subject to approval at the final budget hearing. Commissioner Bird led further discussion regarding the contingency and was concerned that funding was eliminated for a few agencies. Director Baird explained that the Tourist Council made two major decisions: they wanted the Chamber of Commerce to advertise more and they wanted to increase the contingency fund for things that may occur in the middle of the year, because their past experience showed that things always come up in the middle of the year and they don't have funds available to make changes. One example would be if tourism falls off, we could increase advertising to promote Indian River County. Commissioner Wheeler explained that the Tourist Development Council's justification for eliminating certain agencies or activities was because they did not fill beds. There was also a cutoff date, and the Council tried to adhere to the cutoff date. He further explained that the contingency was also intended for any new or additional market which may open up. Commissioner Scurlock preferred to see the contingency reduced and those dollars reallocated. Commissioner Scurlock led discussion regarding the $40,000 for the tourist study, and Director Baird reported that hotel people found this study to be of value because it helps them monitor the changes in tourism every year as well as what they are doing right or wrong in utilization of funds. Deputy County Attorney Will Collins advised that this tourism study would not be a continuation of the same study of numbers but rather to take those numbers and develop a plan of action to target the money toward programs and activities for the future. ON MOTION by Commissioner Scurlock, SECONDED by Commissioner Bird, the Board unanimously approved the recommended budget with the exception that the reserve be reduced down to $30,000.00 and the $31,373.00 be reallocated to promote tourism. 5 JUS -1'6 1992k