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March 15, 2004
Dear Commissioner ________:
In 1999 the Board of County Commissioners, in its
wisdom, saw fit to increase the percentage of Bed Tax funds used
for Capital Expenditures (commonly referred to as "Bricks and
Mortar") from 10% of available funds to 30% of available funds.
This increase allowed an important new influx of
cash into renovation of museums, parks, beaches, the arts
community and many other projects which improve and protect the
tourism "product" of Key West and the Florida Keys: the natural
and man-made environment that tourists come here to share and
appreciate.
In late 2001, after the 9/11 tragedy, there was a
slight downturn in Bed Tax collections for two consecutive
months. This triggered a clause in the local ordinance that
allowed the BOCC to take two actions in early 2002:
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The reduction of the Capital Expenditures Fund percentage from
30% to 25%.
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The transfer of $500,000 in Capital Expenditures Fund monies
to an
"emergency" advertising fund that was to be spent immediately
to help "save the
season".
It became clear during the rest of 2002 that Bed Tax
revenues were not going to plummet. The following year, 2003,
was a good year, among the highest three seasons historically.
At this time, we are once again setting records for Bed Tax
collection.
Last Stand is hereby asking the BOCC to restore
the Capital Expenditure Fund percentage to the 30% level
approved in 1999, and to also restore the $500,000 transferred
from the fund for emergency advertising.
It is obvious that the increase in monies
approved in 1999 for Bricks and Mortar projects has not hurt
tourism in the Florida Keys. In fact, we believe it may be
improving tourism in the short run, and is certainly improving
our chances for sustained tourism in the long run.
These projects have enhanced and expanded facilities
used on a daily basis by tourists, and have raised the overall
image of our islands. They are a positive step to slow and
reverse the negative impacts that can sometimes accompany
tourism.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this
important issue and, if Last Stand can be of any assistance with
this matter, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
[signed]
Amy Lachat Lynch
President
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PO Box 146,
Key West, FL 33041 |
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