Orange Co. officials approve settlement with Expedia

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla.,None — The Orange County Commission approved a secret settlement Tuesday with the online travel company Expedia.

The mayor and two commissioners refused to sign the confidentiality agreements that would have shown them how the much the settlement was worth.

Orange County Commissioners Fred Brummer and Ted Edwards refused to sign off on the secret settlement agreement with Expedia.

The county spent just under $1 million fighting the company, and they said taxpayers should know what they're getting in return.

"I think we're aware of the figure and the public should be, too," Edwards said.

But county attorneys said Expedia is protected by a state law. It requires the county to keep secret how much is collected in tourist development taxes from an individual hotel.

Officials said Expedia is taking advantage of the law because it's also in similar litigation with other states.

Orange County has been fighting with Expedia for two years because the online travel site paid tourist taxes based on discounted hotel room rates.

The tourist development taxes are crucial because that money pays the bills at the Orange County Convention Center, and it's used to promote the area to keep tourists coming to town.

Officials rely on any amount above and beyond that to pay for projects such as the new performing arts center downtown and renovations at the Citrus Bowl.

"If we don't do what's required by statute by state law, we won't collect the funds," Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs said.

We found at least one taxpayer who was on the county's side.

"I don't think there's any reason they should keep it a secret," Jim Lassiter said. "Everything is a secret deal, but it's better than getting nothing at all."

Some commissioners pointed out that the public will find out the amount once the check is deposited.

The county is still fighting a similar lawsuit with the online site Orbitz. It's scheduled for trial next month.

WFTV