6/8/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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r- JUN -81993 Boa 89 795 Tom Nason, acting City Manager, pointed out that promoting tourism is only one of several criteria established by the State for use of tourist tax revenue. Beach renourishment was added because we asked our legislative delegation for it. Not enough revenue is generated by ad valorem taxes to pay for beach renourishment. The City wants a fair share to help offset the cost of maintaining facilities used by tourists, such as the Riverside Theatre, parks, and beaches. Tourists come here because of the nice parks and beaches, but they place an additional burden on the facilities. Chairman Bird noted that we must have a balance between using funds to enhance what we already have and using funds to attract new people to the area. He pointed out that the Board tries to put people on the TDC who are knowledgeable and know what is the most effective use of the money, and we must give a certain amount of weight to their recommendations. Mr. Nason contended that the people on the Chamber of Commerce are too closely tied to the tourist industry, and their focus is too narrow. It is the responsibility of the Commissioners to make sure the balance is maintained. Deputy County Attorney Collins advised that the composition of the TDC is determined by State law. It is to be composed of 3 elected officials, 3 hotel -motel operators, and 3 people who are not hotel or motel operators but are involved or have an interest in the tourist industry. The function of the TDC is to make recommendations to the Board. Commissioner Macht cautioned that if the Board follows the recommendation of the TDC in its entirety, we are getting dangerously close to funding a special interest group with taxpayers' money. He agreed that tourism imposes an additional burden on the City and believed that some of the other requests should be included. Commissioner Tippin suggested that we decide today whether or not we agree with what the TDC is recommending and move forward on the idea of possibly increasing the tourist tax to 3%. Bruce Barkett,, local attorney, announced that he was the Assistant County Attorney when the TDC was created. At that time the City was opposed to the tourist tax unless they had their own district. The County agreed to that condition, but specified that the money was to be used for new activities and facilities rather than ongoing activities. J. B. Norton, -Ver,o BeaCh Chamber of Commerce, pointed out the following: 32