Agenda Item: 12(b)
Prepared By: Casey Lucius, Ph.D., Assistant City Manager
Business: City Council Item
Department: Executive
Subject:
Title
Update on City Project Proposals for TDC Grant Funding - Casey Lucius, Ph.D., Assistant City Manager
Body
BACKGROUND:
Following direction from Council during the FY24 budget workshops, the City Manager's Office contacted Sandra Rios at the County's Tourist Development Council (TDC) in November 2023 to introduce three potential projects for TDC funding: pickleball phase 2, turf, and beautification of the beach access points.
In December 2023, the City Manager and Assistant City Manager met with the County Manager and Deputy County Manager to introduce the projects. We were told that a feasibility study is required for TDC funding requests.
In January 2024, Sandra Rios asked the County attorney to review our projects and provide guidance on next steps. It was recommended by the County attorney that the City take the following steps:
1) submit TDC grant applications for each project;
2) applications are reviewed by the TDC and BCC to determine if a feasibility study is
warranted. If approved, the feasibility study would be funded with TDT funds;
3) the feasibility study would determine if the projects would bring in sufficient tourism to
warrant grant funding. This process aligns with FL State Statute 125.0104(5)a6 regarding how TDT funds may be used. If approved no more than 70% of the funds for the project can be TDT funds;
4) final grant funding placed on the TDC and BCC agendas for approval.
Attached is a memo with the full background to date and the correspondence from the Assistant County Attorney outlining the requirements of FL State Statute.
In February 2024, we began the grant application process. Grants are accepted between January and March. If the feasibility study is approved and bears a positive result, potential grant funding may be appropriated during the next fiscal year...
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