Okaloosa County BOCC — May 29, 2014 — reading text

Alliance of Okaloosa Island David Sherry addressed the Councilmembers with a concern as to why the Destin Fire Control District item is on the Agenda. Mr. Sherry commented on a Destin Law newspaper article from April stating the Destin Fire District requested $306K from Okaloosa County and the Destin Fire Board Chairman believed the TDC should pay some of the bill because of the services they provide for tourists. Mr. Sherry commented the tourist service arguments that apply to the Destin Fire District also apply to the Okaloosa Island Fire District, but also pointed out the Destin Fire District wants to raise their millage rate. Ed Schroeder/Director, Tourist Development Department Ed Schroeder addressed a concern mentioned by Mr. Sherry and said the Destin Fire Control District funding is for lifeguards for Destin beaches and has very little to do with fire control. Mr. Schroeder continued by acknowledging the importance of this budget meeting and stated the Council’s feedback will be used to do the final crafting on budget submission which will be entered into the County system on May 15. Once the budget goes to the County system, it is consolidated with all other departments and then each Director will meet individually with the County Administrator to defend their budget. Mr. Schroeder further explained the next step in the process is to review possible changes or additions from the County Administrator and then return to the County Administrator in June with the final budget. Mr. Schroeder expressed the possibility of reporting on the final look of the budget at the TDC meeting in May and stated it will go back to the County Administrator in July, and the Board of County Commissioners in August. I. FY15 Budget Meeting (Dale Peterson- Chairman) a. Horizons – Dr. Julie McNabb/CEO Horizons provides services for children and adults with intellectual, developmental and other disabilities throughout Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties. Dr. Julie McNabb gave an overview of the services provided by Horizons (informational pamphlet and scope of work letter included in packet) and listed many benefits to the community, which includes cleaning the parks, rest areas and access ways. Dr. McNabb stated Horizons developed a contract with Okaloosa County in 1986 for $109K to find work for people with disabilities, but in 2009 the contract amount was reduced to $84K due to changes in the scope and responsibilities. In 2013, she requested an increase in the contract amount to clean parks seven days a week and clean other locations two times per week for $129K. Dr. McNabb stated the County met with Horizons to submit a new scope of work by October 1st and requested $138,549. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 2 of 10 May 8, 2014 Packet Pg. 19  1.b Some members of the TDC asked how this rate was determined and Dr. McNabb stated it is based on direct labor charges, non-direct labor charges, supplies, equipment, labor Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of May 8, 2014 9:00 AM (Consider Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council Meeting Minutes (Dale management, payroll costs, proportional rate of health insurance, chemicals, paper products, and any supplies needed to maintain parks, contingency of 5% for general liabilities, as well as general administrative costs. Commissioner Windes asked about the use of revenue earned beyond the expenses and Dr. McNabb replied it is used in supporting Horizons’ mission and their not-for-profit programs. In response to a question asked regarding Horizons’ accountability and reconciliation, she stated the County is invoiced monthly for work performed. Dr. McNabb asked that if issues or problems occur, please report to Horizons with the date, time, and location for correcting these immediately. Mr. Rice asked Dr. McNabb whom she directly reports to and she replied John Hofstad or James Puckett at Public Works. b. Destin Chamber of Commerce – Shane Moody/President & CEO Shane Moody distributed copies of the Destin 2014 Visitor’s Guide & Membership Directory, a detailed report outlining the activities of the Destin Area Chamber, Contract Section 1-Scope of Services, statistic reports, and a copy of the Chamber’s Accounting Procedures (included in the packet). Mr. Moody explained how the Destin Chamber’s efforts promote tourism and gave an overview of their website and membership benefits. Rachel Joyce asked if anyone provided the Destin Chamber with a report of the direct bookings through the website. Mr. Moody stated no report is available, but he assured her the numbers are good due to accommodation members’ continued annual purchase of those banner ads. Mr. Rice asked Mr. Moody if the Destin Chamber did not receive the $20K, what would go away in the relationship with the TDD. Mr. Moody replied that probably the data share would go away, but it would not change the relationship. Mr. Rice asked about the average membership cost with the Destin Chamber and Mr. Moody stated the average membership cost is in the $260 range and he listed the costs of other memberships available. He added their membership budget is approximately $230K and the total budget, including the $20K from TDC, is approximately $590K. Mr. Rice asked if the Destin Chamber recommends non-members to those inquiring and Mr. Moody responded their policy is to recommend Destin Chamber members only. Ms. Joyce asked if events take place outside the local area and Mr. Moody stated all events are local but published electronically on several websites. c. Okaloosa County Public Safety – Dino Villani Mr. Schroeder reported the staff members from the Parks & Recreation and Public Safety Departments could not attend due to their prior commitment in dealing with last week’s storms. Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 3 of 10 May 8, 2014 Packet Pg. 20  1.b d. Film Commission – Gail Morgan Gail Morgan reported on the Film Commission budget for 2013 and 2014 (documentation Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of May 8, 2014 9:00 AM (Consider Okaloosa County Tourist Development Council Meeting Minutes (Dale is included in packet on Page 9, under 5th Cent, first item, Consulting) and further explained reasoning for requesting a budget increase from $66,500 to $146,400, which includes improving the Film Commission website, replenishing inventory, adding new collateral, professional memberships, travel to increase exposure (trade shows/film festivals), and advertising publications. Ms. Morgan stated the requested increase and the Film Commission budget would definitely result in an increase in the economic impact for Okaloosa County. Much discussion continued regarding the financial breakdown of the Film Commission budget amounts and categories. Mr. Peterson and Ms. Joyce asked if the Film Commission reports website hits (interests) and requested a description of the leads. Ms. Morgan stated this report had been forwarded to Mr. Schroeder and is included with the invoice, but she did not bring a report to the meeting. Ms. Morgan further listed some of the events advertised within the Film Commission and reported that the economic impact is a very positive benefit from supporting the Film Commission’s efforts. Thom Gossom commented the Film Commission is a growing market and supported an increase for Ms. Morgan’s efforts. Thomas Rice asked if there are any Film Commission group interns and Ms. Morgan explained why there are no interns and a limited staff. Commissioner Windes cautioned those going before the Board of County Commissioners to bring their best show to sell this program. Ms Morgan stated she has been working on a presentation for May 20th that will showcase the people affected by this. Mr. Schroeder asked if the TDC is open to approaching Escambia, Walton, and Santa Rosa counties to see if the title “Northwest Florida Film Commission” could apply to them, as well, and these counties share the cost and build a well-funded program that covers where the talent exists. Ms. Joyce, Commissioner Windes, Mr. Rice, and Mr. Peterson would consider Mr. Schroeder’s request. Ms. Morgan expressed concerns with presenting this to each County Commission in that it could be time-consuming for them, but stated it would be something to explore. Mr. Schroeder stated he would approach these counties with the idea of sharing the cost of this program under the Northwest Florida Film Commission title and would provide a report to the TDC. e. Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce – Ted Corcoran Ted Corcoran reported on the Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce (FWBCC) background, mission, and efforts within the community. The Chamber began campaigning for the bed tax starting in 1980. Mr. Corcoran’s presentation included an article from 1996 – “Isle Plan Reactions Mixed” and demonstrated how local businesses are showcased. Mr. Corcoran explained how the FWBCC promotes the TDC with branding the Emerald Coast, Fort Walton Beach, Okaloosa Island and listed several projects and events the Chamber promotes to drive bed tax into the area. Mr. Corcoran Okaloosa County Tourist Development Department Page 4 of 10 May 8, 2014 Packet Pg. 21