Agenda - 11-20-1990 - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. PUBLIC FORUM ON 1991-92 BUDGET Chairman Carey stated that this public hearing is being held to give the public an opportunity to make comments on the 1991 -92 budget. The public hearing was open to receive citizen comments. SHARON FINCH, Chairman of the Private Public Partnership Task Force on visitor services, asked that the County, in their planning process, focus on the visitor services industry in the County. This could be done by external marketing of the County which would give the County increased economic vitality and attract additional investment opportunities and it would also provide for better service of the visitors who are here and may come in the next two years. They believe that the best sources of funding would be an increase in the occupancy tax or a prepared meal tax. The task force will be coming before the Board with an interim program, permanent funding and a permanent program for consideration and suggestions on how to currently use existing staffs and programs and how to better coordinate those programs. ROLAND GIDUZ asked that the Board consider a local entertainment tax as an additional source of revenue for the County. While this may not bear any relationship to the sources of entertainment, it would put an additional amount of money into the general fund that may be used at the County's discretion. He calculated that a $1.00 entertainment tax would bring in an additional $595,000 or two cents on the tax rate. He feels that no one will object to paying this tax. His complete statement is in the permanent agenda file in the Clerk's office. Commissioner Halkiotis emphatically endorsed this source of revenue. while the security guards at the stadium are paid for by the University, their vehicles, radios, cars, and training are paid for by the County. He feels that a $1.00 entertainment tax would not hinder the attendance at any of the events. Chairman Carey stated that while it would be good to have a flexible tax, he feels the legislature would not approve this tax. MR. GUGANO asked that the Commissioners consider in their budget an increase in the subsidy for daycare. There are over 650 children in Orange County on the waiting list. There are six centers in Orange County that may go out of business because these subsidies have decreased. Commissioner Halkiotis asked for a report on daycare centers. He feels the situation is critical and would like to have additional information. John Link stated that Marti Pryor -Cook is working with a committee to determine what can be done to help a number of daycare centers. A report will be forthcoming in January. Commissioner Hartwell suggested that the money derived from an entertainment tax could be earmarked for a program such as daycare. BRUCE PRATT stated that he would like to see the County save money before voting on a bond. People would be taxed before they actually vote on a bond. He would like to see some long range planning take place.