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Residents praise services and urge clearer TDA website, tax guidance for short‑term rentals
Summary
Public commenters thanked county staff for services and asked for clearer information about the new Tourism Development Authority and occupancy‑tax administration; property owner Jerry Cowan said the county website lacks the details needed to assess short‑term‑rental obligations and called for contact points and reporting on occupancy tax collection.
Several members of the public offered comments during the meeting’s public‑comment period. One resident thanked the county for assistance obtaining a birth certificate and praised staff service. Later, Jerry Cowan of Merryhill identified himself and raised concerns about the Bertie County website and the Tourism Development Authority’s public information, telling commissioners he "can't get enough information off of the website to figure out if I want to do this" regarding converting a rental property to an Airbnb.
Cowan asked who the TDA members are, whether TDA meetings will be scheduled and publicized, and how occupancy‑tax collections (noted to begin July 1) are being handled and reported. Staff directed Cowan to Robin Payne and Jody Ray for follow‑up and offered to collect his contact information so staff can respond with details. The exchange ended with staff promising follow-up and a reminder that TDA meetings will be public.
