Do you have any comments or suggestions about the Palmer Simmons Appeal of Removal from the Planning Commission?
No response.
Do you have any comments or suggestions about the discussion of Proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget?
I reviewed the agenda package information on the proposed FY 2021 budget and compared it to the biennial budget adopted last year. Here are my observations:
1. The public hearing should have occurred prior to the first reading of the budget ordinance and certainly before the Town staff makes its recommendations on the second reading. Where is there meaningful public information and input?
2. The public should be provided with more information and projections about the COVID-19 impacts on the FY 2020 and FY 2021 budgets. There is still no estimate of the loss of revenues, but some general statements that COVID-19 will affect collections for FY 2020 and that the Town has reduced, delayed or eliminated spending where possible (see page 6 of the agenda report). There is no explanation of where that was done and what was impacted. In fact, the report shows a projected 1 % increase in State ATAX in FY 2021 over FY 2020 and a 14.4 % increase in Hospitality Taxes in FY 2021 over FY 2020.
Compare this to Beaufort County's and the City of Beaufort's estimates of revenue losses and possible impacts. The County Manager and County's Chief Financial Officer reported on their forecast for the County at the County Council's Budget Work Session on April 9.
3. When comparing the proposed FY 2021 Budget to the adopted FY 2021 in the Biennial Budget, the largest impact on Expenditures is on the Capital Improvements (CIP) budget, with a reduction of $ 2,481,782 from what was adopted for FY 2021 last year. There is no explanation of what is being left out. In addition, the CIP review process by the Planning Commission, including pubic input, was not completed. There is also a reduction of $ 158,218 Expenditures from Management Services, without explanation.
With regard to Revenues, the greatest impact is on "Funds from Prior Years," with a reduction of $ 2,000,000. "Operating Transfers In" is also reduced in the amount of $ 158,218. There is no explanation of what specifically was changed to cause the reductions.
4. There is no way in this report to track what has happened to the $ 75,000 for the signed "Education Consultant" contract for the proposed 2021 referendum. While the expenditure is being removed from the budget for FY 2020/2021, how much has been spent during FY 2019/2020?
5. It would be helpful to share information on the budget and the Town's financial status with the public at each Town Council meeting. Once a year is not enough.
Do you have any comments or suggestions about the discussion of Beach and Park Access?
No response.
Do you support the Recommendation from the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee for the Chamber of Commerce Visitor and Convention Bureau's proposed 2020-21 Marketing Plan?
Oppose
Do you have any comments or suggestions about the Recommendation from the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee for the Chamber of Commerce Visitor and Convention Bureau's proposed 2020-21 Marketing Plan?
Delay approval of Chamber's proposed Marketing Plan and Budget for 2020-2021 for a minimum of two (2) months.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, ATAX revenues have been greatly affected, with other local governments estimating significant shortfalls. The Town has not yet made its estimates public.
You recently reviewed a YouTube video on the topic of "Over-Tourism" and expressed a commitment to proceed immediately with that evaluation. Now is the time to act on a response to "Over-Tourism" and not the time to market as usual. The Chamber's proposed Marketing Plan and Budget does not address our community concerns about "Over-Tourism." Recent bad behaviors on our beaches, trashing of our environment and disrespectful treatment of wildlife are clear evidence that it is time to pause and rethink the marketing and the future of our Island.
Open Town Hall HHI is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in Open Town Hall HHI is voluntary. The comments in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of any government agency or elected officials.
Name
Patsy BrisonAddress
36 Deallyon AvenueDo you have any comments or suggestions about the Palmer Simmons Appeal of Removal from the Planning Commission?
No response.Do you have any comments or suggestions about the discussion of Proposed Fiscal Year 2021 Budget?
I reviewed the agenda package information on the proposed FY 2021 budget and compared it to the biennial budget adopted last year. Here are my observations:
1. The public hearing should have occurred prior to the first reading of the budget ordinance and certainly before the Town staff makes its recommendations on the second reading. Where is there meaningful public information and input?
2. The public should be provided with more information and projections about the COVID-19 impacts on the FY 2020 and FY 2021 budgets. There is still no estimate of the loss of revenues, but some general statements that COVID-19 will affect collections for FY 2020 and that the Town has reduced, delayed or eliminated spending where possible (see page 6 of the agenda report). There is no explanation of where that was done and what was impacted. In fact, the report shows a projected 1 % increase in State ATAX in FY 2021 over FY 2020 and a 14.4 % increase in Hospitality Taxes in FY 2021 over FY 2020.
Compare this to Beaufort County's and the City of Beaufort's estimates of revenue losses and possible impacts. The County Manager and County's Chief Financial Officer reported on their forecast for the County at the County Council's Budget Work Session on April 9.
3. When comparing the proposed FY 2021 Budget to the adopted FY 2021 in the Biennial Budget, the largest impact on Expenditures is on the Capital Improvements (CIP) budget, with a reduction of $ 2,481,782 from what was adopted for FY 2021 last year. There is no explanation of what is being left out. In addition, the CIP review process by the Planning Commission, including pubic input, was not completed. There is also a reduction of $ 158,218 Expenditures from Management Services, without explanation.
With regard to Revenues, the greatest impact is on "Funds from Prior Years," with a reduction of $ 2,000,000. "Operating Transfers In" is also reduced in the amount of $ 158,218. There is no explanation of what specifically was changed to cause the reductions.
4. There is no way in this report to track what has happened to the $ 75,000 for the signed "Education Consultant" contract for the proposed 2021 referendum. While the expenditure is being removed from the budget for FY 2020/2021, how much has been spent during FY 2019/2020?
5. It would be helpful to share information on the budget and the Town's financial status with the public at each Town Council meeting. Once a year is not enough.
Do you have any comments or suggestions about the discussion of Beach and Park Access?
No response.Do you support the Recommendation from the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee for the Chamber of Commerce Visitor and Convention Bureau's proposed 2020-21 Marketing Plan?
Do you have any comments or suggestions about the Recommendation from the Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee for the Chamber of Commerce Visitor and Convention Bureau's proposed 2020-21 Marketing Plan?
Delay approval of Chamber's proposed Marketing Plan and Budget for 2020-2021 for a minimum of two (2) months.
Due to the impacts of COVID-19, ATAX revenues have been greatly affected, with other local governments estimating significant shortfalls. The Town has not yet made its estimates public.
You recently reviewed a YouTube video on the topic of "Over-Tourism" and expressed a commitment to proceed immediately with that evaluation. Now is the time to act on a response to "Over-Tourism" and not the time to market as usual. The Chamber's proposed Marketing Plan and Budget does not address our community concerns about "Over-Tourism." Recent bad behaviors on our beaches, trashing of our environment and disrespectful treatment of wildlife are clear evidence that it is time to pause and rethink the marketing and the future of our Island.