SARASOTA – “We were notified by the property appraiser’s office that Selby gardens will no longer have a one hundred percent tax-exempt status,” President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Jennifer Rominiecki.
President and CEO of Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, Jennifer Rominiecki says they will be challenging the assertion.
“There seems to be great confusion about what nonprofit status means and where funds from activities of non-profits are garnered and where they’re invested,” said Rominiecki.
Rominiecki says every dollar that Selby Gardens earns or receives, whether, through contributions, events, or any other source is reinvested to accomplish the mission of the institution
“Everything from our world-renowned plant research programs to educating thousands of school children each year, so of course we feel strongly that we should have a 100 percent tax-exempt status,” said Rominiecki.
The total denial of tax-exempt status would potentially leave the floral attraction on the hook for $1.2 million.
A contract between Selby and Michael’s on East is the rationale for denying the tax exemption.
Rominiecki says having a catering and food service provider and partner has become a best practice for non-profits.
“Not only does it alleviate wear and tear of having numerous different vendors coming in and out of the institution but also arrangements can be made so that a more significant percentage of the revenues garnered directly benefit the non-profits’ mission,” said Rominiecki.
