Agenda Item Name:
Title
Approval for payment for the UF Public Utility Research Center (PURC) 50th World Bank International Training Grant Funding Award
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Presenter:
Jessica Hurov (352) 374-5260
Description:
Approve payment of $10,000 in reimbursable conference expenses for the PURC 50th World Bank International Training program grant. The training program was originally scheduled for June 14-26, 2021, but due to Covid-related date changes and attendance impacts, the conference was rescheduled to October 2021. Actual room nights were less than 50% of the original (pre-Covid) application estimate, essentially eliminating the funding that PURC would otherwise receive under the approved award formula. Meetings and conferences are vital to the recovery of the tourism industry from Covid-related impacts, and even though original attendance estimates were not met, the program provided significant hotel impacts and generated over 360 room nights. This approval authorizes payment of the full award.
Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approve payment of $10,000 in reimbursable conference expenses for the PURC 50th World Bank International Training program grant.
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Prior Board Motions:
The PURC World Bank Training Program $10,000 Conference Grant award was originally approved by the BoCC on October 27, 2020.
Fiscal Consideration:
Fiscal Consideration
Fund: 005.45.4530.552.82.24. There is sufficient funding available for the award.
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Background:
Conference Grants are funded twice yearly through 15% of the third penny of Tourist Development Tax (TDT). Organizations are eligible for up to $10,000 in funding for conferences incorporating verified room nights in Alachua County.
Authorized uses of revenue from Tourist Development Taxes (“TDT”) require that a legislative factual determination be made that expenditures of TDT serve a public purpose and are primarily related to promoting and advertising tourism.