Laserfiche WebLink
r JllL 201993 <br />BOOK O <br />N,GE <br />tourism but also provides storm protection for the county. <br />John Morrison reappeared and asked why 1-1/2 percent of the 3 <br />percent is being allocated to beach renourishment rather than just <br />the additional one cent. <br />Chairman Bird explained that it was determined that one cent <br />probably would not generate enough revenue to support the <br />anticipated bonds needed to pay for the project. <br />Commissioner Macht noted that if the Chamber of Commerce does <br />their job and the beach restoration project is effective, our <br />tourist development tax funds should be enhanced. <br />Mr. Morrison urged the Board to keep in mind that the original <br />intent of the tourist tax revenues was to promote tourism. He <br />reported that the investment in international tourism had good <br />results, and he felt that two percent should be designated for <br />advertising. <br />Ralph Sexton, 8005 37th Street, president of Save Our Shores, <br />supported the increase and urged the Board to adopt the ordinance. <br />George Gross, 1230 39th Avenue, noted that the present statute <br />allows up to 50 percent of tourist tax revenues for beach <br />maintenance and restoration. The proposed ordinance changes the <br />language from "may" to "shall" be up to 50 percent. <br />Commissioner Eggert clarified that the ordinance permits some <br />portion of the revenues to be used for beach renourishment but not <br />necessarily the full 50 percent. <br />Commissioner Adams explained that one of the reasons for "up <br />to" 50 percent is that if we have a terrible tourism year and <br />revenues drop, we can use "up to,, 50 percent for bond payments. <br />Chairman Bird noted that innkeepers who are in charge of <br />collecting the tax are aware of this proposed increase and do not <br />seem to oppose it. <br />Commissioner Adams agreed that members of the hotel industry <br />want to do something to promote tourism. While we do not want more <br />taxes, this increase puts us on a par with Brevard and St. Lucie <br />counties and well below Orlando's 10 percent tourist tax. <br />ON MOTION by Commissioner Tippin, SECONDED by <br />Commissioner Eggert, the Board unanimously adopted <br />Ordinance 93-27, amending Chapter 210 of the Code, <br />Tourist Development Tax, to authorize an additional <br />one percent levy and to amend authorized uses of <br />revenue, as recommended by staff. _ <br />8 <br />