Commissioners ask county attorney to review river navigability and outfitter fees after tourism concerns
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Summary
Commissioners discussed the countys lack of a direct fee on commercial rafting outfitters, asked county counsel to review navigability status and legal options, and noted an existing state program that returns 18 cents per head in some cases.
Commissioners raised long-standing concerns about commercial outfitters on the Ocoee River and whether Polk County receives a fair share of revenues from river-based tourism.
Several commissioners said outfitters and visitors use county services—ambulance, trash collection and law enforcement—but do not pay a direct fee to Polk County. One commissioner urged exploring whether the rivers navigability classification could be revisited or whether a local fee or negotiated payment could be secured. Staff and an attendee noted a state-level payment program that provided about 18 cents per head in prior years for some uses; a county contact, Ryan, was credited with helping secure those collections.
Committee members asked the county attorney to research legal avenues, including whether navigability could be reconsidered or whether other statutory or administrative approaches could secure a per-head or per-trip payment from outfitters. Commissioners emphasized they were not targeting individual businesses but sought an equitable contribution to county services that support river tourism.
Ending: County counsel was asked to review the legal framework and report back; commissioners said any approach must be applied consistently to all outfitters if pursued.