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The object of desire is money. Specifically, half the proceeds from the county's 2 percent tourist tax on overnight accommodations that has been stockpiled since the tax's inception Jan. 1, 1991. The pot stands at $4.3-million and grows annually.

Anticipated tourist tax revenue for the coming fiscal year is budgeted at $ 685,000. The county spends half of it on promoting current festivals and attractions, advertising and administration. The other half, the so-called "bricks and mortar" dollars, remains bankrolled. Commissioners decided years ago the money should be earmarked for one large project that would increase tourism in Pasco County, rather than parcel it out to existing, small-scale attractions.

The money is so closely guarded and revered, Tourist Development Council members joke about its sanctity.

But there's a movement afoot to revisit that long-held policy of hoarding the dough. The idea surfaced both at a recent meeting of the Tourist Development Council, the advisory board to the County Commission, and at the commission's own Sept. 14 meeting.

Dade City Commissioner Scott Black, who sits on the TDC, would like money to pave a parking lot for the new welcome center. Altman, also a TDC member, would like tourist dollars for the proposed Sims Landing venture on the Pithlachascotee River in downtown New Port Richey. He has previously suggested the money would be appropriately spent on a hands-on museum and a permanent home for the now defunct market days.

But, the real impetus comes from the Pioneer Florida Museum, where a recently completed management study indicated the museum was worthy of public financial support. Museum vice president Eileen Herman requested $203,000 initially from the county, but later asked for $90,000 to match what the museum raises through private donations.

She left empty-handed, but not before generating discussion on whether the county is correct to keep banking half its tourist tax money.

The museum, it should be noted, has received more than $300,000 in Community Development Block Grant money for air conditioning, roofing and other renovation work; a paved road financed by the county; and a promise at the same Sept. 14 meeting for up to $30,000 from the county to help with a citrus plant exhibit.

But, what it is seeking now is a commitment for a continuing appropriation to be used as operating dollars so it can increase its staff and do a better job of maintenance. In essence, it would be a new program funded annually by the county as a line-item in the budget. And, like most every program, its cost would likely escalate in future years.

The commission also would have to determine whether it wants to do likewise for the two west Pasco heritage museums - the Baker House in Holiday and the West Pasco Historical Society in New Port Richey.

That, I would think, should be a different discussion from the tourist tax talks. Does the county want to include an annual budget line for historical preservation? It would seem to be a tough sell. The county has not welcomed new programs with continuing expenses in the past.

But, here's something to ponder: The proposed county budget expected to be approved Tuesday includes money to fill a new clerical position for the Historic Courthouse in Dade City.

The reason? Commissioner Sylvia Young says so many people want to tour the refurbished courthouse, there's no time to work. In other words, the commission, at Young's request, will assume continuing operating expenses to staff its own museumlike building.

Perhaps that could be a trade-off in the future. The county could partially fund operations at the Pioneer Florida Museum in exchange for its guarantee to provide volunteer staffers to provide tours of the courthouse.

That being said, the question of tourist tax spending remains unresolved. At this juncture, it seems best to continue the present policy. Here's why: The county can double its tourist tax in the future and issue 20-year bonds to raise $11.5-million. Add in the bankrolled amount, and the county today can offer $15.8-million to a tourist-related venture.

While the fancy for spring-training baseball has faded, the love for sports has not. Realtor and former Olympian Dewey Mitchell likes the idea of a youth sports and multipurpose complex like that in Cocoa Beach. Saddlebrook owner Tom Dempsey has requested a meeting with Commission Chairman Ann Hildebrand and County Administrator John Gallagher to pitch the idea of a top-notch, tournament-level tennis center. Saddlebrook would donate 40 acres of land if the county could build the complex.

There's been talk of a multipurpose entertainment center, and don't forget, the Florida State Fair still hasn't committed to relocating to southern Hillsborough County. Pasco wants to bid for it, too.

The reason for all this speculation is simple. Pasco has not yet committed its tourist tax dollars to a long-term, big-ticket project as most of its neighbors have. That means potential suitors are coming to Pasco with their tourist-generating ideas.

Amid all that activity, now is not the appropriate time to start whittling the pot.