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Tourism tax revenue projects $23.8M for FY27; county weighs priorities for costly beach projects
Summary
Staff projected FY27 Tourist Development Tax revenue at about $23.8 million (conservative +1.5% growth assumptions), outlined five statutory TDT categories and said major coastal projects (Summer Haven, Porpoise Point, Army Corps CSRM) remain partially or wholly unfunded, leaving the county to weigh MSTU/state/federal funding options and prioritization.
Community & Destination Development staff told the FY2027 workshop that Tourist Development Tax (TDT) collections peaked following the pandemic and have since normalized; staff proposed conservative revenue growth assumptions (+1.5% for FY26 and FY27) that produce an anticipated FY27 TDT total of about $23.8 million. The presenter reminded the board the county levies all five authorized TDT categories and must spend receipts on tourism‑oriented projects under the ordinance (referenced as the county’s TDT plan/ordinance).
Staff outlined the five statutory TDT categories (destination marketing; heritage/arts; recreation; special use; and beach assets) and explained current contractual obligations (marketing contracts, cultural events and grants). The presentation moved to capital priorities: a $1M planning grant for a Museum of Black History (RFP forthcoming), ongoing public‑art programs, and multiple coastal projects at varying stages — Summer Haven (design and some matched funds), Porpoise Point stabilization (~$20M estimate) and a 50‑year Army Corps coastal storm risk management (CSRM) effort with construction cost estimates in the tens of millions.
Coastal and finance staff said funding options include federal/state cost‑shares (4:3:3 or similar splits vary by project and public access), MSTUs in targeted project areas, state appropriations and reallocation of TDT categories; they stressed public access investments can shift federal/state cost shares away from the county. Because many construction phases are not yet funded, staff recommended continued prioritization and coordinated planning with the TDC and the board.
