Braselton visitors authority approves budget

The Braselton Visitors Bureau Authority approved its FYE 2010 budget for $290,750 during a brief called meeting on Wednesday, June 24.

The authority’s budget is a four percent increase from last fiscal year’s budget of $279,000. The 2010 fiscal year starts today (July 1, 2009) and ends on June 30, 2010.

The appointed authority is responsible for a two percent hotel/motel tax in Braselton — the largest, single source of income for the agency.

Braselton also has a three percent hotel/motel tax, which is handled in the town’s general fund budget.

Town officials are expecting a rise in hotel/motel taxes next fiscal year since Country Inn and Suites is opening a new hotel on Ga. Hwy. 124 in Barrow County. That would leave Braselton with four hotels in its town limits.

Other hotels have been planned for the town, but none have been issued a building permit.

The authority largely funds public relations and special events in Braselton, along with marketing the town in advertisements. Other expenses include transportation improvements at the interstate exit on Ga. Hwy. 211, and park maintenance and repairs.

No one from the public was present for a recent hearing on the proposed budget or its adoption last week.