City receives instructions on how to formulate a local bill to raise revenue for beaches

Joseph Zimmerman, Aide to State Rep Janet Adkins

Submitted by Suanne Z. Thamm

Reporter - News Analyst

While the city of Fernandina Beach was in the throes of the 2014 budget formulation this past spring and summer, local citizen Tony Crawford twice approached the Fernandina Beach City Commission (FBCC) with his idea for raising an additional $450K to fund beach renourishment and improvements.  His suggestion:  add a dedicated one-dollar tax per night to city lodging accommodations and short term vacation rentals just to care for the beaches.  City leaders reacted with skepticism, advising him that bed tax was the purview of the county via the Tourism Development Council and that the city government had no power under current state law to modify governing legislation.  Crawford pressed on, consulting with State Representative Janet Adkins office in an attempt to determine whether such an idea could be implemented.

When Crawford appeared before the FBCC the last time, he reported that Adkins advised that she could not proceed further with the matter unless it was brought to her by the City of Fernandina Beach.  Following that meeting and with direction from the FBCC City Manager Joe Gerrity asked Adkins for advice.

Joseph Zimmerman, legislative aide to Adkins, spoke to the matter during the December 3, 2013 FBCC meeting. On behalf of Representative Adkins he presented commissioners with a packet of information that included instructions on how to file a local bill.  Once drafted and approved by the FBCC, the city would next present the bill to the Nassau Legislative Delegation, consisting of Adkins and State Senator Aaron Bean.  He advised that existing bed tax was set at 4% by Nassau County.

Commissioner Pat Gass asked Zimmerman, “What’s the probability of having passed?”  Zimmerman advised that once the Nassau Delegation accepted the item, it would wend its way through the legislative process in Tallahassee but that the feasibility of doing something is actually very realistic.  He directed their attention to information on a “transient rental tax” in the information packet, adding that the state does pay serious attention to matters involving tourism.  He concluded by offering to provide additional help and information as needed.

Tony Crawford urges FBCC to pursue local bill to increase bed tax revenue.

Tony Crawford followed Zimmerman to the podium, where he asked commissioners, “’What’s the probability of getting that passed?’  What’s the potential of gaining $450K to the city?  Is it worth it, guys?  To me it’s a no brainer.  Don’t ask why it can’t be done, do something to make it happen.  If it doesn’t happen, no one can say you didn’t try.”

No one responded to Crawford or indicated a future course of action.

Editor's Note: Suanne Z. Thamm is a native of Chautauqua County, NY, who moved to Fernandina Beach from Alexandria,VA, in 1994. As a long time city resident and city watcher, she provides interesting insight into the many issues that impact our city. We are grateful for Suanne's many contributions to the Fernandina Observer.

December 4, 2013 5:15 p.m.