Answers about the Bigfork Enhancement Program
For the Bigfork Eagle
As a result of meetings with individuals and Bigfork Community organizations the following questions and answers were addressed:
1. Q. When can we start?
A. We hope to start on June 1st of this year
2. Q. What will the money are used for?
A. That will be determined by the members of the Bigfork Enhancement Program (BEP)
It has been suggested that it be used to promote Bigfork by some of the following:
promote travel writers, create off season community events, develop Bigfork as a vacation destination, enhance the shopping experience, develop and market eco-tourism, increase many convention and seminar events.
3. Q. How much money are you estimating to collect the first year?
A. Based on percentages that Whitefish had and our projections of a proposed resort tax, we could expect approximately $25- 50,000 in a reasonable economy. It is difficult to predict how we will do this season. In any event it will be more than we have now.
4. Q. How would it be collected?
A. The assessment of 1% would be collected by anyone who wants to assess it - it is voluntary. It would be calculated monthly and paid by the 10th of the following month. The business owner would deposit it in a designated restricted account at a local bank. The money will be deposited in the non profit account of the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork who would then disburse for the approved projects. Confidentiality will be kept by the Treasurer as to each contributor's contribution.
5. Q. Who are the members?
A. There are two types of voluntary membership:
1. Those people who collect the assessment
2. Those that pay the $250 annual fee
6. Q. What types of businesses could participate in the collection of the 1%?
A. All businesses serving the public to include restaurants, lodging, retail,
Recreational, and services
7. Q. Who decides how to spend the money?
A. All members will be encouraged to meet and submit a list of recommendations to a committee that will make the final decision.
8. Q. Who is on the committee?
A. There will be at least one committee member representing each major type of
Business. Any member may apply for the committee and should more than one member apply for one position the members will vote.
9. Q. Who is allowed to join?
A. Anyone within the 59911 area code who wants to help with the enhancement efforts.
10. Q. Do we have to vote on it?
A. No, it is an assessment not a tax and it is voluntary
11. Q. Does everyone have to join?
A. No, but only those that are members of BEP will have input on how the money is
To be spent.
Q. How long does it last?
A. As long as we want following a yearly assessment of the benefits to the community.
12. Q. Is there any way to enforce payment?
A. No, we would rely on people's honor and commitment to help the community
13. Q How do I join?
A. Complete the enrollment form and return it to:
Business Enhancement Program (BEP)
PO Box 1864
Bigfork, MT 59911
14. Q. How do you explain it to people who ask?
A. It is a voluntary contribution for the enhancement, promotion and the preservation of
Bigfork.
Notes:
* On a $20.00 purchase the enhancement fee is $.20
* The $250 fee is the equivalent of collecting the 1% on $25,000 of gross sales
* The first year will be considered a trial period.
Cheryl Richmond is the head of the committee working on the Bigfork Enhancement Program.