Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm
Reporter – News Analyst
While the city of Fernandina Beach was in the throes of the 2014 budget formulation this past spring and summer, local citizen Tony Crawford twice approached the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) with his idea for raising an additional $450K to fund beach renourishment and improvements. His suggestion: add a dedicated one-dollar tax per night to city lodging accommodations and short term vacation rentals just to care for the beaches. City leaders reacted with skepticism, advising him that bed tax was the purview of the county via the Tourism Development Council and that the city government had no power under current state law to modify governing legislation. Crawford pressed on, consulting with State Representative Janet Adkins office in an attempt to determine whether such an idea could be implemented.
When Crawford appeared before the FBCC the last time, he reported that Adkins advised that she could not proceed further with the matter unless it was brought to her by the City of Fernandina Beach. Following that meeting and with direction from the FBCC City Manager Joe Gerrity asked Adkins for advice.
Joseph Zimmerman, legislative aide to Adkins, spoke to the matter during the December 3, 2013 FBCC meeting. On behalf of Representative Adkins he presented commissioners with a packet of information that included instructions on how to file a local bill. Once drafted and approved by the FBCC, the city would next present the bill to the Nassau Legislative Delegation, consisting of Adkins and State Senator Aaron Bean. He advised that existing bed tax was set at 4% by Nassau County.
Commissioner Pat Gass asked Zimmerman, “What’s the probability of having [the bill] passed?” Zimmerman advised that once the Nassau Delegation accepted the item, it would wend its way through the legislative process in Tallahassee but that the feasibility of doing something is actually very realistic. He directed their attention to information on a “transient rental tax” in the information packet, adding that the state does pay serious attention to matters involving tourism. He concluded by offering to provide additional help and information as needed.
Tony Crawford followed Zimmerman to the podium, where he asked commissioners, “’What’s the probability of getting that passed?’ What’s the potential of gaining $450K to the city? Is it worth it, guys? To me it’s a no brainer. Don’t ask why it can’t be done, do something to make it happen. If it doesn’t happen, no one can say you didn’t try.”
No one responded to Crawford or indicated a future course of action.
Editor’s Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne’s many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.
December 4, 2013 5:15 p.m.
It sure is good news to see that at long last, finally; a citizen’s idea on how to help solve our budget problem is being given the consideration it deserves. Kudos to Mr. Crawford, not only for his idea; but also for his persistent efforts to get the Commissioners to pay attention to the idea. He has devoted a great deal of time and effort to bringing the facts to the Commissioners, including his trip to visit State Representative Janet Adkins, who had said a long time ago; that she would be happy to help to see if this idea can be implemented. He has received no compensation for all of his time and hard work. He should be given a round of applause. It is inspiring to see what one citizen can do if they are willing to try, and I am wondering how many good things might be accomplished in our town, if more of us would spend some of our time and energy going to Commissioner meetings; and getting involved.
Tony,
Thanks for your determination and effort to keep this issue moving forward. I know you were opposed to the beach parking revenue option, but rather than just saying no; you looked and pursued viable alternatives. Keep on, keeping on!
Dave,
Thank for you kind words. We have spoken of this issue a lot in the past and I have appreciated your help
I find it alwys best when you present a problem to the city to have a solution to help solve it.
This is wonderful citizen advocacy! Thank you Tony Crawford. Now, let’s see if the Commissioners pick up the ball and run with it . . .
I certainly agree that Mr. Crawford has presented us all with an excellent model of citizen involvement at the local government level. Were more of us so inclined perhaps we might change the arc of governmental concern with the opinions of their electorate.
That said, I do want to sound a note of caution here as we consider how much greater a financial load the visitors to our community are willing to pay for the repair and maintenance of an element of the very infrastructure that brings them here. The record of governmental bodies in applying increasingly larger bed and other local taxes to the expenditures of inbound tourists within their jurisdiction is fraught with many problems, not the least of which is customer resistance and the resulting downturn in visitation. A review of the 1990’s New York City record
on this initiative should sound a cautionary note. They believed that “…just a small increase in the bed taxes…” would not be felt by their high spending visitors. The resulting reduction in demand was very significant and many large groups, meetings and conventions found other places to visit. Let us go slowly and carefully before we start to choke the goose that lays those golden eggs.
Did you speak up when taxes on vacationers were raised recently in YOUR town?
We are not aware of any recent tax on vacationers being raised, especially in our City. A bed tax was raised at the county level four or five years ago. Unless you have more specific information, I would suggest you check your source.