[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by Goldwingnut

In October of 2020 the 1% county tourism tax was abolished by the BOCC, this was the source for approximately 50% of the funds used to provide for the entertainment (bands/singers) nightly in the squares. This was done as a measure to ease pressure on businesses and encourage more economic activity during the COVID fiasco of 2020. The county had approximatelyy $2.5M left over in the fund that held this tax revenue, it was used for much needed upgrades to the county fairgrounds. The cost burden for the nightly entertainment in the squares now falls fully on the merchants in each of the squares. No monies for the amenity fees, PWAC fund, CDD maintenance assessments, or AAC fund pays for the entertainment.

Originally Posted by Rsenholzi

We all pay for part of the entertainment in the squares indirectly. Sumter County contributes tens of thousands of dollars every year through our taxes. The county put up $120,000 a year in tourist taxes collected primarily off hotel stays in 2020. The grant was increased in 2021 by $40,000. The developer pays the other half. This covered Lake Sumter and Brownwood Squares . Spanish Springs is in Lake County .

“Lucy”, Something just doesn’t add up.