Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/316941
But not everyone in the business community argued against the proposed change. "GCBX [Gulf Coast Builders Exchange] appre- ciates the [Board of County Commissioners'] vision and leadership in looking for new opportunities to maintain, enhance and aug- ment the infrastructure that creates unique experiences for visitors to Sarasota County," the organization's executive director, Mary Slapp, wrote in an email to the county com- missioners the day before the workshop. Tourist Development Tax revenue comes from a 5-cent surcharge on every dollar a person spends on a hotel room or seasonal rental of less than six months in Sarasota County. County financial staff expects the total amount of revenue to hit the $15.4 mil- lion mark in the 2015 fiscal year, with money going toward attractions, support of the arts, beach maintenance and promoting the area in northern, Midwestern and overseas markets. Recently, word spread that the commission- ers were considering capping the fund at $15 million and shifting anything above that to capital improvements. Commissioners stressed on Friday that as TDT revenue continues to increase, the amount of funding for marketing and promotions also A chart shows the excess funds expected over the next several years in the Ed Smith Stadium account. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader May 23, 2014 Page 18