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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final July 11, 2023 <br />Tourist Development Fund 12/3 cents (1.67) <br />JRTC Fund 1/4 cents (0.25) <br />Option 3: No change to the existing allocation <br />Chairman Earman stated that the County could effectively secure more funding for <br />beach restoration by implementing this proposal and supported Option 1. <br />Commissioner Flescher stated Option 1 provided beach funding and reduced the <br />likelihood of scrambling for match dollars when they become available. Although <br />less than a million dollars would not cover all beach needs, it was an additional <br />tool. He fully supported Option 1 and believed it would boost tourism and give <br />the County Administrator more latitude when seeking beach funding. <br />Commissioner Moss questioned if the surplus from Tourist Development could <br />replace increasing the Tourist Tax. Ms. Daniels replied that the Statute dictates <br />how the pennies are spent, and it was not allowed under penny four (4) and six <br />(6). <br />Commissioner Loar conveyed his support for Option 1 and highlighted the <br />importance of increased cooperation from the Chambers to elevate tourism in the <br />region further. <br />Chairman Earman sought and received from Attorney Dylan Reingold that if the <br />Board were to move forward with the proposal, staff would bring back an <br />Ordinance in August to establish the fifth Penny. Attorney Reingold responded <br />that the Ordinance would require a minimum of a four -to -one vote to pass. Also, <br />changes may need to be made to the Code to accommodate the addition of the <br />fifth penny, and the timing would also need to align with the clerk's office. <br />President of the Indian River County Chamber of Commerce, Dori Stone, stated <br />that the Chamber's funding would be allocated towards updating the tourism <br />study, providing valuable insight into the County guests' spending behaviors. The <br />Chamber remained committed to the beach renourishment program, which was <br />vital in promoting tourism in the County. <br />A motion was made by Commissioner Flescher, seconded by Commissioner <br />Loar, to approve Option 1 and to bring back an Ordinance at the regular <br />meeting in August. The motion carried by the following vote: <br />Aye: 5 - Chairman Earman, Vice Chairman Adams, Commissioner Flescher, <br />Commissioner Loar, and Commissioner Moss <br />G. Public Works <br />Indian River County Florida Page 18 <br />