Agenda - 03-06-1991 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

bureau" or "commissioner" would be a more descriptive title. He also indicated that the details do not need to be worked out before presenting the request for authority to establish this Bureau to the General Assembly. In response to a question from Council Member Preston, Chairman Carey indicated the EDC's suggestion was that the we request authority for a maximum of a 3% tax. The details of how much would actually be put into effect initially is not necessary for the enabling legislation. Council Member Brown asked if it was possible to request an increase in the tax without indicating the intended use. Chairman Carey indicated that the request could be handled that way. Council Member Andresen indicated that she was interested in discussing what vision the county had for this bureau. She also expressed concern about the bureau's accountability in terms of performance agreements. Chairman Carey indicated that this bureau would capitalize on the "clean industry" which already exists in the county and municipalities with emphasis on getting people who are already coming here to stay longer, as well as to attract small conferences to this area. The details will be worked out after the authority has been granted by the General Assembly. Attracting large conventions to Chapel Hill is not a part of the vision. In response to a question about what this Bureau could do that the Downtown Commission and /or the Chamber of Commerce could not do, Mr. Abernathy indicated that the Bureau would have an expert on visitor services. Also, their entire focus would be enhancing the visitors experience and encouraging more visitor to stay longer. Mayor Howes indicated that the expertise of the staff at the visitor's bureau was the critical issue, not layering on another level of bureaucarcy. This bureau would not have its own facility and would have a staff of probably two people and certainly no more than three people. Commissioner Willhoit indicated that the request for a 3% tax is not an unreasonable amount compared with what other communities have requested. Seeking the authorization for 3% gives flexibility for the future although 1% may be designated initially. Council Member Brown stated that she felt having the money earmarked for visitors might not be in the Town's best interest. It may be that people will not travel as much in the future and the money could be better spent for purposes other than trying to promote travel to Chapel Hill. Mayor Howes stated that this proposed Bureau would be accountable to the Board of Commissioners and the Town Council.