The City of Asheville is doing its part to redistribute the wealth. This time, the $5350 reward goes to the Biltmore Hilton. Now, we all know only sicko mathematicians and so forth would say that giving one entity a 50% rebate on fees somehow reduces funds available in the general fund and requires government to either tighten its belt (which it does not like to do) or increase charges elsewhere. Government is apt to say this is not equivalent to paying Biltmore Farms; it is a synergy. Besides, it’s green. The rebate, which I reiterate has nothing to do with giving away taxpayer dollars to a wealthy developer for a wealthy hotel chain, was provided because the hotel is LEED certified. Announcements boast the establishment’s solar water heater.
At least the city’s official announcement does not claim as others that the program assists taxpayers. Google this sentence: By using less energy and water, LEED certified buildings save money for families, businesses and taxpayers.
