Last weeks meeting was groundbreaking.
Commissioner Cindy Meadows as chair of the TDC is starting a revolution in thinking about the role of the TDC.
Leading the discussion into concerns about Quality vs Quantity and how the difference effects our lives.
Should bed tax revenue - 11m last year - be used to enhance the quality of S Walton for visitor and resident alike or continue to be primarily an advertising tool.?
The county recently obtained an opinion on this from the Florida State Attorney General. It states:
Bed tax funds could be used for such purposes in conjunction with a finding by the county commission that the promotion of tourism would result from the expenditures.
So, all it takes is a finding! This opens a lot of doors.
Such a finding could have a profound impact on our future development.
However, ironically I think , there is opposition to such a spending change.
TDC member Gus Andrews said he would rather cut the bed tax and INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES.
Right. Let the beleaguered property owner pay to clean up tourist trash.
Our poor guest can't afford the bed tax! Lol
But back to reality. We had 3m visitors sharing our space last year. In a community of only 12k.
They fuel business but also create problems. Not the least of which are quality of life for residents issues.
I would like to know when Gus Andrews term expires because his ideas have to go.
For a full report read the excellent reporting by Dotty Nist in today's Beach Breeze
Commissioner Cindy Meadows as chair of the TDC is starting a revolution in thinking about the role of the TDC.
Leading the discussion into concerns about Quality vs Quantity and how the difference effects our lives.
Should bed tax revenue - 11m last year - be used to enhance the quality of S Walton for visitor and resident alike or continue to be primarily an advertising tool.?
The county recently obtained an opinion on this from the Florida State Attorney General. It states:
Bed tax funds could be used for such purposes in conjunction with a finding by the county commission that the promotion of tourism would result from the expenditures.
So, all it takes is a finding! This opens a lot of doors.
Such a finding could have a profound impact on our future development.
However, ironically I think , there is opposition to such a spending change.
TDC member Gus Andrews said he would rather cut the bed tax and INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES.
Right. Let the beleaguered property owner pay to clean up tourist trash.
Our poor guest can't afford the bed tax! Lol
But back to reality. We had 3m visitors sharing our space last year. In a community of only 12k.
They fuel business but also create problems. Not the least of which are quality of life for residents issues.
I would like to know when Gus Andrews term expires because his ideas have to go.
For a full report read the excellent reporting by Dotty Nist in today's Beach Breeze
