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County says EDC staffing expanded; lodging‑tax competition and LTAC application process discussed
Summary
Commissioner Bretherton reported EDC staff increases and a new economic development director, and discussed LTAC lodging‑tax allocations and how short‑term rentals contribute significant tax revenue despite limited formal representation on advisory panels.
Greg Bretherton told the board that the county’s economic development organization (EDC) has grown to a three‑person staff and that the new economic development director, David Ballaf, recently joined from USAID. Bretherton said the EDC will focus on destination development and South County business support and that he plans to invite an EDC business development specialist to brief the village in July.
Bretherton and board members discussed the lodging‑tax advisory committee (LTAC), how grant processes are competitive, and the fact that short‑term rentals generate a large share of lodging tax revenues while often lacking representation on the committee. He said LTAC typically distributes about $700,000 a year across museums, visitor centers and destination projects and noted the board could consider applying for targeted LTAC funding.
