Okaloosa County BOCC — July 2, 2013 — Action Item Printout — reading text

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AGENDA REQUEST DATE: August 6, 2013 TO: Honorable Chairman and Members of the Board FROM: Daniel O'Byrne SUBJECT: Public Hearing - Tourist Development Ordinance DEPARTMENT: Tourist Development Department BCC DISTRICT: All STATEMENT OF ISSUE: Pursuant to Section 125.0104(4)(c), F.S., the County has previously approved and adopted a tourist development ordinance setting forth the plan for tourist development. The primary purpose of this amendment is to update the plan for tourist development, including revenue projections under each penny, and to reallocate and further refine the uses of each penny. In order to substantially amend the plan of tourist development, Section 125.0104(4)(d), F.S. requires an ordinance enacted by an affirmative vote of a majority plus one additional member of the Board. Attached are the proposed amendments to the Tourist Development Ordinance; presented in the appropriate black line format, as well as a chart detailing the proposed revenue allocations by penny. BACKGROUND: The proposed amended Ordinance was presented to the Tourist Development Council on July 25, 2013 and the Council voted unanimously to recommend its approval to the Board. The following is a list of changes that have been incorporated into the proposed amended Tourist Development Ordinance: Section 20-72: Tourist Development Plan Tourism Promotion • Provided clarification as to the funding of local film production and advertising projects. To remain consistent with the other uses under Tourism Promotion, funding should be permissive rather than mandatory. • Specifically authorized funds to support sponsorships, in addition to special events. • Expanded the focus of promotion beyond just the beach but also the waterways and other Tourist Destination Facilities. Convention Business Development • Expanded the focus of Convention Business Development to provide both indoor and outdoor venues. Product Improvement • Provided for the use of tourist development tax revenues to provide eco-tourism facilities and activities. • Expanded the focus of Product Improvement to provide for the construction of artificial reefs and related facilities. Reserves • Provided for reserve funds under each penny. Tax Revenue Projections and Allocations • Updated revenue projections under each penny, and reallocated uses under each penny (see Chart of Proposed Revenue Allocations). OPTIONS: Approve/Disapprove RECOMMENDATIONS: Approve and adopt the amended Tourist Development Ordinance. RECOMMENDED BY: APPROVED BY: Ernie Padgett, County Administrator