Public commenter alleges wide-ranging misuse of ATAX funds and calls for investigation

Skip Hoagland (Windmill Harbor) used his public-comment period to make an extended set of allegations about how ATAX and related tourism funds have been handled. Hoagland accused the committee and town counsel of conflicts, said there is no accounting or invoices for millions in expenditures, and alleged funds were improperly directed to the chamber and to parties outside the town.

Hoagland made multiple claims about amounts and actors, singling out Bill Miles and the chamber for receiving large sums and alleging violations of state and federal laws including tax and nonprofit rules. He urged the committee to stop recommending funds, to seek oversight, and to refer the matter for investigation. "We must start voting and recommending for the legal use... Then when you tell Mr. Miles, you either give it to us or you're not gonna get any more money... And plus, you need to call the FBI and have him investigated," Hoagland said.

The transcript records Hoagland's accusations but contains no recorded committee response addressing the specific allegations. The claims are substantial and specific; they should be documented and, if appropriate, referred to the town counsel or other oversight authorities for review and fact verification.