Executive director reports drop in sales and occupancy taxes, previews events and grant rounds

The executive director delivered an activity report that highlighted recent economic indicators, program updates and upcoming events.

Darla reported sales-tax receipts were down 3.8% for March and occupancy-tax receipts were down 10.75% for the month; she said results can be influenced by calendar timing (for example, when Easter falls). She noted two hoteliers had not paid taxes earlier in the year, representing close to $1 million in unpaid amounts that affected occupancy-tax comparisons; Darla said collection activity and negotiated payment plans will adjust the official results.

Darla also said building-permit activity was low in April (roughly $1,031,260 reported for the month) and that recent Berdian Nature Center admissions were down in April even as school-field-trip attendance produced several thousand visits. She highlighted the Art Business Incubator "Aura" fundraiser in which restaurants donated food; organizers raised about $6,000 at the first-year event and plan to expand next year.

Other items in the report included Sand Dollars facade grant timing (applications to open in June) and the art-business incubator's use of membership and kiln access for ceramicists. Darla asked whether the board wanted to meet in June; she will be out of town for half of the month and said she would post an agenda by June 10 if there were items to discuss. The board agreed it would likely move routine business to the July meeting if there were no pressing June items.

Darla also referenced the board's budgeted reserves and said staff may propose using reserve lines for future capital items such as the marina; she said she would coordinate schedule changes and report back to the board.