HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem B1
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
Meeting Date: June 29. 2010 Division: County Attorney
Bulk Item: Yes Noli.- Staff Contact PersonJPhone #: Bob Shillinger. 292-3470
- AGENDA ITEM WORDING: Approval of settlement agreement(s) in the matter of County of
Monroe v. Priceline.com, et aI, 09-10004-CIV.
ITEM BACKGROUND: The County filed suit against Priceline.com, Travelocity, Orbitz, Expedia,
and their subsidiaries to collect the tourist development tax (TDT's) on the difference between the price
for which the online travel companies paid hotels to reserve rooms (wholesale rate) and the price which
the aTe's charged consumers for the rooms (retail rate). Earlier this year, the Court certified the case
as a class action with Monroe County being the class representative for all Florida counties with TDT's.
Thirty three of the fifty nine Florida counties with TDTs elected to stay in the class.
On June 16, the parties engaged in mediation as ordered by the Court. While that session did not result
in a settlement agreement that day, negotiations are ongoing. This item is being placed on the agenda as
a place holder in the event that settlement agreements with any or all ofthe defendants are finalized
prior to the closed session.
PREVIOUS RELEVANT BOCC ACTION: On 2/21/07, HOCC authorized retaining outside counsel
filing of action to collect TDT's against online travel companies. On 5/19/1 0, BOCC authorized closed
session for 6/16/10. On 6/16/10, BOCC rescheduled closed session for 6/29/10.
CONTRACT/AGREEMENT CHANGES:
STAFF RECOMMENDATIONS: To be made at closed session on 6/29/10.
TOTAL COST: INDIRECT COST: BUDGETED:
COST TO COUNTY: SOURCE OF FUNDS:
REVENUE PRODUCING: AMOUNT PER MONTH Year
APPROVED BY: County Atty _ OMB/Purchasing _ Risk Management _
DOCUMENTATION: NONE AT THIS TIME.
DISPOSITION: AGENDA ITEM #
Revised 1/09