8.J.
Tourist Development Council 2021/2022 Budget Recommendations
Commissioner Earman discussed the recent Tourist Development Council (TDC)
meeting, noting his surprise that there were not more agencies or municipalities
requesting funding. He stated that one particular agency had requested a funding
increase of 21%, but was unable to answer questions being asked by a member of the
TDC Board. He suggested that in the future, the TDC should look further into what
the agencies were doing to promote tourism for the County. Vice Chairman O'Bryan
suggested funding the Cultural Council of Indian River County (Cultural Council) at
the level they had received the previous year. Chairman Flescher expounded on the
recent transition at the Cultural Council, which could have led to the representative's
inability to provide the information being requested.
Commissioner Adams, former Chairman of the TDC, clarified that the TDC made it a
policy in 2018 that the municipalities would be responsible for collaborating with their
non-profit tourism agencies rather than the TDC accepting direct applications from the
municipal agencies. She stated that new agencies were encouraged to apply for
funding. Commissioner Adams felt it was appropriate to let the TDC know that the
Board expected more from the applicants, and to put the applicants on notice
regarding future funding. She also informed Commissioner Earman of the TDC's
vision that the different agencies would complement each other for the goal of getting
heads on beds, which would generate additional tourist tax dollars for marketing
campaigns to boost tourism in the County.
Commissioner Moss voiced her concerns about the tourist tax and the TDC. She
discussed the requirements for membership of the TDC and of the agencies being
funded, and also the timing of the Chamber of Commerce presentations to the TDC.
She suggested revisiting these items at a future Commission meeting.
Commissioner Earman clarified that the transition mentioned by Chairman Flescher
involved his son, Ben Earman, who had recently resigned from his position as the
Executive Director of the Cultural Council; however, he stated that his son's
resignation had nothing to do with him being dissatisfied with the presentation.
Ms. Dori Stone, President, Indian River County Chamber of Commerce (the
Chamber), addressed the Board to clarify the role of the Chamber.
Mr. Miguel Davila addressed the Board with comments not relevant to the topic.
A motion was made by Commissioner Earman, seconded by Vice Chairman
O'Bryan, to approve staff's recommendation with the following conditions
regarding the Cultural Council of Indian River County: 1) the funding for Fiscal
Year 2021-2022 will revert back to the Fiscal Year 2020-2021 amount of $49,301; 2)
the proposed Fiscal Year 2021-2022 increase amount of $10,699 will be placed in
a reserve fund; and 3) the orginization will be given the opportunity to reapply to
the Tourist Development Council with a revised presentation. The motion carried
