6/18/1996 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOOK 98 u;;L 385 contingencies for a total of $13,250. That amount would enable the Cultural Council to print a calendar of cultural activities and distribute it both locally and out of state. Commissioner Eggert explained that the budget amendment would decrease the amount going to the Chamber of Commerce by $10,000. Commissioner Tippin inquired about the legality of funding a calendar that would be distributed locally. Deputy County Attorney Will Collins explained that it always has been the opinion of the Cultural Council that money spent on local advertising would not draw tourists from out of state. This year there was a split of opinion with regard to the cultural calendar. Attorney Collins advised that the County Commission, in order to make an authorized use of the tourist tax money, should make a finding that, in fact, distribution of the cultural calendar locally at hotels, for example, does promote tourism. Commissioner Eggert emphasized that one of the problems in getting tourists to come here is that we don't put out enough information about what is available in Indian River County. She recalled that we did include salary before in the funding. Commissioner Macht pointed out that cultural activities is a big economical factor. A cultural calendar would be beneficial in attracting tourists to our county and having them stay a day or two longer than they initially planned. OMB Director Joe Baird clarified that the Cultural Council initially requested $13,000 as a separate agency, and the Tourist Development Council voted to give them $10,000 and restore the full $13,250 which will require taking $3,250 out of contingencies. Commissioner Macht suggested that the Board amend the Tourist Development Budget as set out by Director Baird. Commissioner Tippin wanted it clearly understood that at no time has anyone belittled the great cultural assets we have in this county. Commissioner Bird asked, since he has voted in opposition to the PEP Reef, to have two motions: one to make the finding on the calendar as Attorney Collins has advised, and one to approve the amendment to the overall budget of the Tourist Development Council. ON MOTION by Commissioner Eggert, SECONDED by Commissioner Bird, the Board unanimously recognized that the local distribution of a cultural calendar is a draw to tourists. 21 JUNE 18 1996 -