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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final June 4, 2024 <br />8.1. 24-0430 Quarterly Tourist Development Tax Report for Quarter Ending 03/31/2024 <br />Recommended Action: Accept the report <br />Attachments: Comptroller Division Staff Report <br />Accepted <br />8.J. 24-0465 Tourist Development Council 2024/2025 Budget Recommendations <br />Recommended action: Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners approve the funding <br />amounts recommended by the Tourist Development Council as shown in Table 2 for <br />a total allocation of $1,700,631 and authorize the County Attorney to prepare <br />standard grant agreements for all funding recipients. <br />Attachments: Staff Repoft <br />Commissioner Moss raised concerns about the incomplete vetting process for 75% of <br />the Tourist Development Council (TDC) budget, which would not be publicly <br />reviewed until August 21, 2024. She emphasized the need for proper oversight and <br />highlighted the history of funding for the Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) dating <br />back to 1989. Commissioner Moss stressed the importance of thorough <br />accountability and fiduciary responsibility and stated that she would not support this <br />recommendation. <br />Vice Chairman Flescher provided a detailed explanation regarding the longstanding <br />implementation of the tourist tax generation process. He underscored the significance <br />of taking into account the economy of scale, pointing out that each night spent by a <br />tourist in Indian River County contributes to revenue through a 4 -cent tax on "heads <br />to beds". He stated last year, the County saw a remarkable increase in revenue, <br />exceeding $4 million from this tax alone. Furthermore, he highlighted the Chamber's <br />proactive endeavors in promoting the County and extended an invitation to all to <br />attend the upcoming meeting, during which the Chamber would present a <br />comprehensive overview of their efforts. <br />Chairman Adams reminded Commissioner Moss that the Chamber was designated as <br />the County's tourism bureau. Although their presentation might not take place until <br />August, an application outlining how they intend to spend the allocated funds was <br />submitted, as this was a key part of the process. Chairman Adams stated that all the <br />necessary information was available for review and included in the packet presented <br />to the TDC. <br />A motion was made by Vice Chairman Flescher, seconded by Commissioner <br />Earman, to approve stairs recommendation. The motion carried by the following <br />vote: <br />Indian River County Florida Page 4 <br />