Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/316941
commissioners decide to put a cap on some of the funds." "I'm concerned as well," Patterson replied. Over the years, she explained, the commis- sioners have been "fairly loose in [their] deļ¬nition of what is considered promotion," as they allocated Tourist Development Tax (TDT) revenue set aside for that purpose. For example, she said, promotion funds have been used for infrastructure at Nathan Benderson Park's rowing venue. Payments on the loan the county took out for renovations of Ed Smith Stadium also come out of the promotion account, she added. However, because TDT revenue has continued to grow since 2011, she noted, that account has more money in it than the county needs to cover the loan payments and interest. Right now, she continued, it takes $1.2 million per year in payments for the approximately $21 million in borrowed funds. Patterson explained that the proceeds com- ing in above the amount needed for the bond payments could be used for other purposes, if the County Commission chose to take such action. As far as she was concerned, she continued, when the County Commission raised the TDT on hotel and condo rentals to 5 percent as of May 1, 2011, the understanding was that A graphic presented to the Tourist Development Council in January shows facets of Visit Sarasota County's marketing campaign for 2013-14. Image courtesy Sarasota County Sarasota News Leader May 23, 2014 Page 65