Held via Zoom
Chair Parks called the meeting to order at 7:06 PM. All members were present, including the Administrative Manager; no members of the public were present.
Administrative Manager Bush presented the December meeting minutes. Vice-Chair Dalling moved to approve the December minutes. Director Fuhrmann seconded the motion. No discussion was needed; all voted in favor; none opposed. Motion passed.
Administrative Manager Bush presented the current expenses and financial reports for the month.
Secretary/Treasurer Stone moved to approve the current expenses and financial reports. Director Gerdes seconded the motion. No discussion was needed; all voted in favor; none opposed. Motion passed.
In Old Business, Secretary/Treasurer Stone placed notices in the newsletter pointing businesses to the website for more information about collecting the additional 1% as of January 1st. She updated the Board regarding notification to the various booking agents of the additional 1%. VRBO/Avalara/Vertex have stated February 1st will be the earliest the update can take place. After Board discussion, Chair Parks summarized that implementation of this additional 1% will come with its challenges and collection for this first season will likely be less than perfect, as many businesses have already accepted many reservations at the 3% tax rate. The Board acknowledged the advice of the District accountant, that it is the responsibility of each business to report their revenue and tax collection as accurately as possible to the District, to keep good records and that audits can always be used if needed. Chair Parks was pleased with the board getting the word out about the new tax rate. Admin Manager Bush formally noted that this first year of the additional 1% tax collection will be less than other years due to so many reservations being paid for before January 1st, at the 3% tax rate and recommended that someone tell the Water District Board.
Chair Parks updated the Board on work from our legal counsel regarding amending the ordinances to reflect the additional 1%. Drafts were distributed to all Board members and discussion ensued, constituting the first reading of these amendments. After additional work by the attorney, the second reading can take place at the regular February Board meeting.
Secretary/Treasurer Stone and Director Fuhrmann updated the Board that a new Declaration of Nomination has been filed. Admin Manager Bush will advertise the Board vacancy in February. The deadline to apply is March 1st. Secretary/Treasurer Stone presented the Board with the second draft of the District Operating Budget for 2021. A brief discussion was held, going through each line item to clarify for all the members. Vice-Chair Dalling moved to approve the 2021 District Budget, with the income amended to match expenses, per the District accountant. Director Gerdes seconded the motion. No further discussion was needed; all voted in favor; none opposed. Motion passed.
In New Business, Director Gerdes updated the Board on the additions to the district website explaining the 1%, including a new Q&A section. She will add a notation about the upcoming amended ordinances.
Secretary/Treasurer Stone updated the Board about the creation of a new remit form that will include revenue at 3% and revenue at 4%. Treasurer Stone, Admin Manager Bush and Chair Parks will work on this and bring to the Board when completed. Admin Manager Bush clarified that she would prepare reports for Zoom meetings 48 hours in advance and send out Board packets; therefore, checks/bills will not be added at the last minute. Chair Parks asked that the Zoom meeting invitation be created new each time, with a new log-in to keep the meetings more secure. Secretary/Treasurer Stone updated the Board on one delinquent account that consists only of late fees and interest. After Board discussion, it was decided that one more letter to the business was in order before sending this account to the District’s attorney for collection. Admin Manager Bush will prepare this letter for Chair Parks.
There was no public comment.
The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 9th at 7:00 PM. This meeting will be another virtual meeting, via the Zoom platform. Vice-Chair Dalling moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 PM. Director Fuhrmann seconded the motion. No discussion was needed; all voted in favor; none opposed. Motion passed.
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