The CFTOD Sings A Different Song On Reedy Creek Benefits In An Internal Email
Yesterday, Ron DeSantis and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) came out firing, accusing the former Reedy Creek Improvement District board of misusing taxpayer money on lavish trips to Walt Disney World. In their report, the CFTOD wrote:
“For Decades, the former Disney-run RCID used taxpayer funds to provide season passes and amusement experiences to its employees and their family members, cover the cost of discounts on hotels, merchandise, food, and beverages, and give its own board members VIP Main Entrance passes. In 2022, alone it cost taxpayers over $2.5 million.
“In addition to constituting unethical benefits and perks, the scheme raises significant questions regarding self-dealing as the board members were only permitted a maximum of $100 per month in compensation per the Reedy Creek Improvement District Act.”
In their findings, the CFTOD characterized the benefits as a “scheme” and “government-paid handouts.”
“Immediately upon discovering the scheme, the CFTOD set in motion plans to eliminate it.”
When talking to the press, the CFTOD presented their findings as government corruption, and the DeSantis-appointed board referred the matter to the Florida Inspector General.
Internally The CFTOD Changes Its Tune
Despite their apparent outrage at the actions of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, in an email to employees, the CFTOD characterized the Disney benefits as an “Annual Pass perks program.”
In the email, the district wrote that they “sought out alternatives for current employees to maximize and retain their benefits in ways that are constructive. In the proposed FY 2024 budget, [we] have incorporated funding for a new stipend program that allows for individualized flexibility rather than underserving employees with a one-size-fits-all approach. The budget is subject to the Board of Supervisors’ approval.”
According to the memo, based on internal analysis, over the last five years, approximately 50% of employees never utilized the benefits at all.
As opposed to the outrage at Reedy Creek’s actions, the CFTOD claimed that the new benefits would simply be more beneficial to employees.
In exchange for Disney-related benefits, the CFTOD has instead proposed a one-time annual stipend of approximately $1,000.
“Given the low usage, a stipend is more beneficial to our team members.”
If the board approves the new stipend, the benefits will start on October 1, 2023.
According to the CFTOD, a formal letter will be sent to current Annual Passholders by the end of the week.
Why The Discrepancy?
The difference between how the CFTOD presented the Reedy Creek benefits to the press, versus how it was presented internally, could not be more different.
After reading the board’s internal statements it appears that the whole story is a non-issue. Instead, it sounds like the CFTOD mischaracterized the former district’s benefits program to score political points. Who could have seen that coming?
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