Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/161733
Sarasota News Leader August 30, 2013 Since the commissioners took an initial vote on May 14 to reduce the county's disaster recovery reserve fund from a 90-day operation level to 75 days, Barbetta has argued that the $8.1 million freed up by the change should be put to use for economic development in the community. However, his motion on Aug. 28 left the source of the $1 million needed for the BMX project open-ended. Page 47 was that the BMX project was not eligible for such funds. However, Commissioner Nora Patterson told her colleagues on Aug. 28, "I'm pretty sure that [the BMX track] was eligible" for TDT revenue several years ago. A portion of the TDT tax that Patterson thought could be allocated for physical improvements may be used only for events, acIn response to questions from the board, Chief cording to Schneider, Patterson noted. Financial Planning Officer Steve Botelho reNonetheless, Commissioner Christine Robincently consulted with Deputy County Attorney son pointed out that Virginia Haley, president Kathleen Schneider to learn whether Tourist of Visit Sarasota County — the community's Development Tax (TDT) revenue could be uti- tourism office — is scheduled to appear belized for projects such as the BMX upgrades. fore the commission in late September to disAccording to an email Botelho sent the com- cuss a revision of the ordinance governing missioners on Aug. 26, Schneider's opinion TDT revenue usage. Athletes compete in a BMX race in France. Five of the world's permanent supercross tracks are outside the United States. Photo via Wikimedia Commons