The Ocracoke Tourism Development Authority has voted to assume the promotion duties for Ocracoke Island and as of June 30 will no longer contract with the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association for that work.
The TDA, the OCBA and the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board arrived at this decision Dec. 11 after meeting to discuss the roles of the three boards, according to a press release from the TDA.
According to the press release, “the two boards have worked closely together for the past two years. The OTDA’s decision to not renew its contract with OCBA was reached after much thoughtful discussion and is an amicable parting.
“The OTDA will now focus on its legislated mandate to market and promote Ocracoke Island. Over the next few months the two boards will be focused on implementing these changes.”
In June 2017, the Hyde County Commissioners approved the establishment of the TDA after they approved raising the total occupancy tax rate on all lodging rentals to 5 percent, on top of the 6.75 percent sales tax that’s also levied.
By state statute, the TDA oversees 2 percent of the occupancy tax revenues and the Occupancy Tax Board oversee 3 percent of the monies.
The TDA is its own authority but must disperse two thirds of the 2 percent tax for tourism promotion. The rest may be allocated to tourism-related activities. The TDA for the last two years has funded the majority of island marketing through an agreement with the OCBA.
Lisa Landrum, Martha Garrish, Gregory Honeycutt, Daphne Bennink and Amy Howard, who is the chair.
The OTB is an advisory board that can grant funds from the 3 percent pool for “any legal purpose.” Its yearly recommendations must be approved by the Hyde County Commissioners.
