Agenda 06/24/2014 Item #10B6/24/2014 10. B.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation to direct staff to prepare a fiscal analysis and a recommended straw ballot
question concerning the return to the original intent of the Tourist Development Tax to be
presented to the BCC for approval at the meeting on July 8, 2014. If approved by the BCC, the
straw ballot would be placed on the November 2014 ballot. (Commissioner Coyle)
OBJECTIVE: To direct staff to prepare a fiscal analysis and a recommended straw ballot
question concerning the return to the original intent of the Tourist Development Tax to be
presented to the BCC for approval at the meeting on July 8, 2014. If approved by the BCC, the
straw ballot would be placed on the November 2014 ballot.
CONSIDERATIONS: According to Ordinance 95 -46, the original intent of the voters and the
Commissioners when the Tourist Tax was approved was that the funds would be allocated as
follows:
Category A: 60 %. To finance beach improvement, maintenance, renourishment,
restoration and erosion control, including pass and inlet maintenance.
Category B: 40 %. To promote and advertise county tourism within the State of Florida,
nationally and internationally, which encourages tourism with an emphasis on off - season visitors
to Collier County. Of this percentage, 25% shall be allocated to tourism advertising and
marketing and 15% should be allocated for local projects and /or activities which promote
tourism.
Over the years, the Commissioners have deviated substantially from the original intent,
with more money going to advertising than to beach maintenance activities. The current
allocations are: 41.3% for beach related activities and approximately 58.6% for tourist related
activities. The beaches are our single most important asset for attracting visitors and should
deserve a larger portion of the TDC funding.
FISCAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact of placing the question on the ballot is negligible. There
would be no additional cost to taxpayers. The only change would be in the amount of money
allocated to beach maintenance and tourism advertising. The staff can provide this analysis at
the BCC meeting on July 8, 2014.
RECOMMENDATION: That staff provide for Board Approval on July 8, 2014, a fiscal analysis
and a straw ballot question similar to: "Should the Commissioners restore the original intent that
60% of tourist taxes will be used for beach, pass and inlet maintenance and 40% will be used for
the promotion and advertising for tourism ?" If approved by the Board, the straw ballot would be
submitted to the Supervisor of Elections for inclusion in the November, 2014 General Election.
Prepared By: Commissioner Fred Coyle
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COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 10.B.
6/24/2014 10.B.
Item Summary: Recommendation to direct staff to prepare a fiscal analysis and a recommended
straw ballot question concerning the return to the original intent of the Tourist Development Tax to be
presented to the BCC for approval at the meeting on July 8, 2014. If approved by the BCC, the straw
ballot would be placed on the November 2014 ballot. (Commissioner Coyle)
Meeting Date: 6/24/2014
Prepared By
Name: MaryJoBrock
Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager, County Managers Office
Approved By
Name: ochs_1
Title: County Manager, County Managers Office
Date: 06/18/2014 04:04:41 PM
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