7/20/1993 - Laserfiche WebLink

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County Attorney Charles Vitunac advised that the proposed ordinance permanently dedicates a certain source of funds for bond purposes. If the ordinance is adopted, up to half of the Tourist Development Tax revenues will be available to secure and repay any bonds issued for the beach renourishment program. Attorney Vitunac emphasized the clause "up to half," and if the County issues bonds in a lower amount, the balance of the funds will be available for other purposes authorized by the ordinance. Commissioner Eggert asked whether a percentage of funds would be designated for advertising. Commissioner Tippin reported that the Tourist Development Council (TDC) will receive the tourist study from Dr. Stronge of the Regional Research Associates, and recommendations will be made based on that report. Commissioner Adams noted that the consensus is that we would like to put emphasis on advertising. John Morrison, member of the Tourist Development Council, pointed out that research shows that the beach is the most important factor when tourists consider Indian River County as their vacation destination. Beyond the promotional aspect, protection of the beach is important to those who reside close to the beach or who have a business there, but it is important also to the Indian River and to the properties west of the Indian River because a storm surge beyond 9 to 11 feet would cause destruction inland to U.S41. The result of that would be reduction in real estate values for everyone because even if there is no damage to a particular structure, the attitude would be that our county is subject to that kind of destruction. There is also the environmental consideration. High ocean salinity would destroy the micro organisms in the river as well as the mangrove system. Mr. Morrison urged the Board to anticipate the likely problems of this sort of devastation rather than waiting for it to take place. Carol Johnson, public affairs administrator for the Vero Beach - Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, noted that this change will mean a reduction in the amount of money which the Chamber will have available to promote Indian River County. The current two percent is available for all authorized uses, but with the increase to 3 percent, only 1-1/2 percent will be available for other than beach restoration and preservation. The Chamber thinks that the use of these funds for beach restoration is wonderful because the beach is important to tourism. Ms. Johnson encouraged the Board to adopt the ordinance because protecting the beach not only promotes 7 in L 201993 BOOK 90 FACE 10