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Agenda 02/12/2013 Item #10J 2/12/2013 10.J. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners direct the County Attorney to draft a resolution stating that it is not the Board's current intent to raise the Tourist Development Tax; to be presented for Board approval at the February 26, 2013 public meeting. Raising taxes on the Tourism Industry during this time of financial hardship goes against the county's desire to promote and encourage economic development. For this reason, it is imperative that the Board of County Commissioners formally declare its intent to not raise taxes at this time. OBJECTIVE: That the Board of County Commissioners direct the County Attorney to draft a resolution stating that it is not the Board's current intent to raise the Tourist Development Tax; to be presented for Board approval at the February 26, 2013 public meeting. Raising taxes on the Tourism Industry during this time of financial hardship goes against the county's desire to promote and encourage economic development. For this reason, it is imperative that the Board of County Commissioners formally declare its intent to not raise taxes at this time. CONSIDERATIONS: It has been wrongly rumored that the Board of County Commissioners intends to raise the Tourist Development Tax. The Board has expressed no intent to raise the tax. The adverse economic impact on the Tourism Industry would be material. Raising any taxes during these hard financial times goes contrary to sound public policy. So as to assuage concerns that the industry might have, it behooves the Board of County Commissioners to formally declare by way of resolution that it is not the Board's intent to raise the Tourist Development Tax at this time. There are adequate funds available to renourish the county's beaches to the extent needed. FISCAL IMPACT: None LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: This item has been reviewed by the County Attorney, raises no legal issues, and requires majority support for approval. -JAK. RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of County Commissioners direct the County Attorney to draft a resolution stating that it is not the Board's current intent to raise the Tourist Development Tax; to be presented for Board approval at the February 26, 2013 public meeting. Raising taxes on the Tourism Industry during this time of financial hardship goes against the county's desire to promote and encourage economic development. For this reason, it is imperative that the Board of County Commissioners formally declare its intent to not raise taxes at this time. PREPARED BY: Commissioner Georgia Hiller, Chair Packet Page-177- 2/12/2013 10.J. COLLIER COUNTY Board of County Commissioners Item Number: 10.10.J. Item Summary: Recommendation that the Board of County Commissioners direct the County Attorney to draft a resolution stating that it is not the Board's current intent to raise the Tourist Development Tax; to be presented for Board approval at the February 26, 2013 public meeting. Raising taxes on the Tourism Industry during this time of financial hardship goes against the county's desire to promote and encourage economic development. For this reason, it is imperative that the Board of County Commissioners formally declare its intent to not raise taxes at this time. (Commissioner Hiller) Meeting Date: 2/12/2013 Prepared By Name: BrockMaryJo Title:Executive Secretary to County Manager, CMO 2/6/2013 10:48:45 AM Submitted by Title: Executive Secretary to County Manager, CMO Name: BrockMaryJo 2/6/2013 10:48:47 AM Approved By Name: OchsLeo Title: County Manager Date: 2/6/2013 12:23:44 PM • Packet Page-178-