Connecticut General Statutes Title 10. Education and Culture § 10-394. Preparation of annual budgets for regional tourism districts. Administrative costs

(a) On or before June first of each year, each regional tourism district established under section 10-397 shall prepare a proposed budget for the next succeeding fiscal year beginning July first to carry out its statutory duties. After approval by said tourism district's board of directors, and no later than June first of each year, the tourism district shall submit the proposed budget to the Commissioner of Economic and Community Development for review, comments and recommendations by the department concerning the proposed expenditures. On and after December 31, 2011, and annually thereafter, the Department of Economic and Community Development shall review, in consultation with the tourism district, the proposed budget no later than June thirtieth, and approve or disapprove the budget. If the department disapproves any annual budget, the department shall adopt an interim budget and such interim budget shall take effect at the commencement of the fiscal year and shall remain in effect until the tourism district submits and the department approves a modified budget. The tourism district shall, on or before March 15, 2012, and annually thereafter, submit a copy of the budget to the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations, finance, revenue and bonding and commerce and the Office of Policy and Management, including an explanation detailing the proposed expenditures for the tourism district for the succeeding fiscal year. No funds shall be expended on or after July 1, 2011, by the tourism district without prior approval of the budget or adoption of an interim budget by the Department of Economic and Community Development.

(b) On and after December 31, 2010, each regional tourism district shall ensure that no more than twenty per cent of the total annual grant amount received by the district is used for administrative costs. The Commissioner of Economic and Community Development shall develop guidelines concerning administrative costs for tourism districts.