My Position. I support public meetings and allowing citizens to express their opinions as to the options – Sell, Keep, and Update Agreements. Agreements include the distribution of excess revenue from the Music Center. Currently, 75% is distributed to the Community Foundation and 25% to the county. A current proposal is to change this to 50/50.
These meetings would also provide the opportunity for fact-gathering and information sharing. It will also provide the opportunity to increase community support. Any final changes to policy would have to be approved by the Commissioners and County Council.
July 17, 2024. Recent discussion of commissions, council, Maple Leaf Management Group.
Reference: Commissioner Meeting Notes Feb 5, 2024. Music Center, Fire Districts, Appointments
Music Center – Disposition – Options.
Barry Herring and Derek Clifford were re-appointed to the Convention Visitors Commission (CVC). The CVC develops the budget for how revenue from the innkeeper’s tax can be spent. Typically, the Convention Visitors Bureau (CVB) is given most of the money but other non-profits can receive funding if they support tourism. The County Council reviews and approves the CVC budget.
Ron Sanders is advocating for public meetings to discuss the idea of selling the venue. Barry Herring expressed his opinion that it might be hard to sell, the venue is performing as promised, and excess revenue is being returned to the county. Jerry Pittman offered his comments – keep as-is for now (status quo). Pittman is on the Music Venue Management group but attends very few meetings.
Options for the Music Center – include:
(1) Sell it. The premise is that the County Government should not be in the music business. Sell it at a profit, collect the property tax, and use the money to fund needed capital improvements. This “government-owned and operated music venue” will always be opposed by those expecting a limited role from the government.
(2) Status quo – continue to allow non-elected officials with business acumen to manage the venue and decide how best to determine and then distribute excess revenue. A proposed change for distribution is 50% instead of 75% of the excess revenue being given to the Community Foundation and the remainder to the county.
(3) Distribution of Excess Revenue. If 100% of excess revenue is returned to the county, it can be used for infrastructure needs such as capital improvements. It can also be used to reimburse the county for police and emergency services in support of the State Park. Elected officials can document their intent for the funds via a Resolution. If capital improvements are a priority, funds can be used to reduce/eliminate the need for the county to borrow money where loans are repaid through a property tax increase. In other words, the excess revenue can help support a property tax “decrease.”
By law, the County Council reviews and approves how revenue from the innkeepers’ tax will be spent. Their decision can also determine how much excess revenue can be returned to the county.
- Revenue from the Innkeepers Tax – History, Opportunities, Public Input
- BCMC: Brown County Music Center (Maple Leaf): For the Record
