06/14/2022 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 14, 2022 confirmed that Mayor Robert Brackett and the Assistant City Attorney Jenny Flanigan were in attendance at the May 11, 2022 TDC meeting. City Attorney John Turner addressed the County Attorney's memorandum in regard to the matter of procedure. He referred to section 100.06 of the Code, pointing out an appeal must be delivered to the Board within twenty (20) working days, and noted the appeal was delivered on June 7, 2022. He also stated the law does not require an item to be on the agenda to be considered. He continued, the tourist development tax was adopted by the County in 1987, through Ordinance 87-11 which outlined the tourist development plan, created the TDC, established the authorized uses for the taxes, and called for referendum approval. He pointed out the Florida Legislature through the years had made changes on how the tourist tax dollars could be used and in 2016, the Legislature broadened the authorized additional uses for the tourist tax dollars, explicitly allowing a county or municipality in some circumstances to use the tax to reimburse expenses incurred in providing public safety services and law enforcement services. City Attorney Turner named other counties within Florida who allow their municipalities to seek funding for projects through tourist tax dollars. He concluded by requesting the Board to 1) accept the City's application for funding for improvement of the Humiston Beach Lifeguard Tower and Pavilion; and 2) abandon its outside agency funding policy barring municipalities from receiving tourist tax funds, and allow for all uses authorized under Florida law. County Administrator Jason Brown pointed out how the County took on and managed the Sector 5 beach renourishment project within the City limits and expressed his concern on the attempt to use tourist tax dollars for government infrastructure. Chairman O'Bryan agreed with County Administrator Brown and supported the County's policy. He did not want to see tourist tax dollars used for capital projects. Commissioner Moss wanted to see the County partner with the City, suggesting a public meeting between the County and the City. Commissioner Adams felt if the City intended this to be a collaborative effort, the City Council members and the City Manager would be present, not solely the litigation arm of the City and a court reporter, which seemed to set the tone for litigation, not collaboration. A discussion followed on the uses for the tourist development tax dollars and Vice Chairman Earman echoed County Administrator Brown words, stating there was only so much tourist tax dollars to go around and he believed the dollars should be used for the promotion of tourism and to put heads on beds. Commissioner Flescher added at the TDC meeting held on May 11, 2022, the City did not participate or speak concerning the TDC's decision to take the City's request for a lifeguard stand off the list. He noted the tourist tax dollars were being used for beach renourishment and marketing to promote tourism in the City of Vero Beach. Jeffrey R. Smith, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller, stated his Internal Auditor ensures every tourist tax dollar spent is justified. Indian River County Florida Page 11