The Big Park Regional Coordinating Council may take a look at the legal, regulatory and practical issues of establishing a bed tax in the Village of Oak Creek that could potentially fund economic development, road improvements and education programs.

Council members debated the proposal — which was simply to form an exploratory committee — at their meeting Thursday, Sept. 8, but took no action because it was on the agenda as a discussion-only item. They agreed, however, to revisit the issue at their Thursday, Oct. 13, meeting, with an opportunity to continue the discussion and potentially take action.

Council President Amadeus Larew said the Tourist Re-Investment Project arose from questions submitted to a candidate forum last month for Diane Joens and Randy Garrison in their race for the Yavapai County Board of Supervisors.

“The county doesn’t have a lot of money for roads, economic development, easements … half of their budget goes to the court system,” Larew said at the council meeting. “How are we going to take care of what we feel is important?”

He suggested that council members take the idea back to their constituents to brainstorm it. The council is composed primarily of representatives from VOC
homeowners associations.

“We’re looking for ideas, whether it’s a feasible project or even a good idea,” he said. “Take it to the HOAs, tear it apart, critique it, amend it … until we’re comfortable being part of it.
“Nothing will be moved on unless it’s the will of the council and its members.”

Even if the will and the way are present, the BPRCC could not implement the bed tax.

Although the council is the closest thing the unincorporated VOC has to a governing body, it has no statutory powers. It serves in an advisory capacity to the county, so can only recommend or request action.

If an exploratory committee is formed, its first order of business would be to determine the legality of forming a special taxing district for this purpose.

The VOC has two such districts: The Big Park Domestic Wastewater Improvement District and the Red Rock Road Enhancement Maintenance District.

Joanne Johnson, an RRREMD board member, bemoaned how much time and effort went into forming the district.

She also said that there is no need for road funding. “Show me where the bad roads are,” she said from the audience.

Johnson spoke against forming the committee.

“I don’t think the issue warrants it,” she said. “[The VOC] is perfect. Newcomers want to change it. It sounds like a back door to incorporation.”

Others suggested that the committee be formed first, before the issue is taken to the council’s constituency.

“It’s too early to take it to the HOAs,” Councilman Bob Kraft said. “There are too many questions, not enough specifics. We have to have something to present to the HOAs.”

Another council member, Carolyn Fisher, agreed. “You have to see if you have a legal vehicle to do it,” she said.

The consensus was to revisit the proposal at the next meeting.

A five-page document distributed in the council members’ agenda packet outlined the committee’s responsibilities and included a list of questions and answers.

One of the questions posed in the document was why hotels would be in favor of a bed tax.

“[A]n idea that has the potential for additional business in a more desirable community with increased margins is always a thought worth pursuing,” according to the agenda.

Among the other points presented were to:

• Develop a proposed budget for roads, bridges, easements and drainage areas, including a five-year plan to repair or replace Village roads and to project county participation. As part of the budgeting process, the committee would develop a rate structure.
• Look at ways to finance advertising and cyber-space programs to make the Village a destination and not a pass-through.
• Explore ideas on how to help Big Park Community School to maintain its International Baccalaureate status and fund other programs to enhance its standard of education.
• Ensure that the lodging community would have representation on the committee. Other members would include those with knowledge of transportation, budgeting, special district development and administration, business owners and educators.

The Q-and-A concluded by acknowledging that the proposal is, indeed, “more government and taxes,” but responding, “…[A] tourism-funded program that assists us in created better business practices, better roads and school, and a higher profile in planning without taxing ourselves is a proactive approach.”