Flat Rock Playhouse: Nix occupancy tax, bring on TDA tickets

Looks like the Flat Rock Playhouse figures it's easier to get money from the Henderson County Tourism Development Authority than trying to get a tax increase through the public. From the Times-News:

The Flat Rock Playhouse has asked county commissioners to drop the controversial issue of a 1 percent room tax hike to benefit the nonprofit theater, favoring a Tourism and Development Authority ticket program as a better source of funding help.

In an email to TDA members and county commissioners, trustee Robert Danos wrote "the Board of the Flat Rock Playhouse requests that you pull the issue of the occupancy tax increase from further discussion or a vote."

Danos said Playhouse trustees believe a new "Stay & Play" partnership with the TDA designed to bolster cooperation between the theater and local accommodations will be less divisive than an occupancy tax hike and more rewarding for everyone....

Commissioners tabled their vote for six months to allow the TDA a chance to weigh in on the matter, and TDA officials recently pushed back their report until spring. The Playhouse's request may end the matter, though, since the state law authorizing the tax increase expires in 2015....

Under the reworked pilot program, TDA will buy 781 tickets to major Playhouse productions (not Music on the Rock shows) for $25,000. Accommodations will provide the tickets to visitors who stay at least two nights, provided they come as part of a Web-based promotion package....

Read it all. Of course, it's all taxpayer money, but at least this won't single out the lodging industry to bear the brunt of a tax increase. It will be interesting to see how (and how often) the TDA tracks and reports on their Stay & Play program.