After Significant Backlash, CFTOD Is Reevaluating Its Benefits Programs
The Ron DeSantis-appointed Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD) managed to alienate some of its closest allies last month when the district’s board announced that it was discontinuing the “Annual Pass perks program” that gave both current and retired district employees Annual Passes to Walt Disney World.
The latest controversy for the maligned district began when the CFTOD referred the Disney-related spending by the former Reedy Creek board to the Florida Inspector General.
“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,” the CFTOD initially wrote.
The CFTOD Stripped Employees of Disney Benefits
As it turns out, the Disney spending wasn’t the silver bullet example of government corruption that the CFTOD presented it as. Instead, it was simply a benefit given to district employees.
Internally, CFTOD administrators told employees that they were re-evaluating the Disney-related benefits, and would instead offer a stipend of $1000 that employees could use however they so chose.
“We 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.”
Essentially the CFTOD was stripping its employees of a benefit.
Reedy Creek Firefighters Lash Out
District employees were quick to denounce the change.
The Reedy Creek firefighters, who had been one of the board’s most important allies, quickly began to lash out at the new administration.
Pete Simon, a Reedy Creek firefighter, made a powerful statement during today’s CFTOD meeting about the impact of removing generational benefits for families.
“This week marks the first brick being pulled in the dismantling of the district … my only question is, what’s next?” pic.twitter.com/bzt8tW5fc8
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) August 23, 2023
“This benefit is intangible and generational. We have retirees, some of them here today, that work their entire careers in order to earn this benefit,” firefighter Pete Simon said, before sharing his hopes that he would one day take his grandkids and great-grandkids to the parks.
“When the district changed hands last year, we were told that our jobs and our benefits were safe…and we welcomed that change,” Simon explained.
“All we’ve seen and heard are cuts. cuts to budget, cuts to possible staffing, cuts to patience, and now cuts to benefits.”
Another Change To Benefits
During a CFTOD meeting on Wednesday night, district administrator Glen Glizean announced that after meeting with employees, the district would reexamine the stipend and raise the allowance.
Furthermore, Glizean revealed that the district was exploring allowing employees to purchase their Walt Disney World Annual Passes under a company-led partner program.
While the details of the new stipend will not be revealed until the end of September, the number would have to significantly increase in order to cover the costs of Disney Annual Passes.
After causing a conflict with their own constituents, the CFTOD once again bypassed the simple solution and created more uncertainty. Just give the firefighters their Annual Passes.
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