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Such investment on the county's part, he noted, leads to more hotels and other local attractions, creating even higher TDT income. That process offers a much greater rate of return than spending money on marketing and advertising, he said. Additionally, new developments that draw tourism become advertisements themselves, he pointed out, as they attract first-time vis- itors to the area who find a wide array of choices for how to spend their time. The 2011-12 ranking of Siesta Public Beach as No. 1 in the nation was a huge factor in ramp- ing up tourism, he noted. "Our assets are our promotion." Barbetta said social media efforts on the part of the visitors themselves could mean the need for less marketing money from the county. However, Commissioner Nora Patterson took the opportunity to note her alarm at how much TDT funding was going to maintenance at Ed Smith Stadium, where the Baltimore Orioles have been holding Spring Training. "It looks like the actual expenses that come to us are gobbling up good chunks of money," Patterson said. Vice Chairwoman Christine Robinson told Barbetta she would like to have further dis- cussion of his proposal during an upcoming budget workshop. She also asked for a staff analysis of how the county has spent surplus TDT revenue in the past. "We need to see a historical review," Robinson added. Chairman Charles Hines and Commissioner Carolyn Mason agreed that they would like to see the topic on an upcoming agenda. County Administrator Tom Harmer replied that the schedule indicated time would be available during the May 16 workshop. % Last year, county staff helped the County Commission figure out how more Tourist Development Tax revenue could be utilized for improvements at the BMX track in Sarasota. Photo by Norman Schimmel Sarasota News Leader March 28, 2014 Page 69