Greenwood County Allocates $106,370 in Tax Funds to Support Local Organizations

Greenwood County Allocates Tax Dollars for Various Local Organizations

Greenwood, SC — The Greenwood County Accommodations Tax Committee held a lively discussion earlier this week about the allocation of tax funds for local organizations in 2025. The meeting was a bustling affair, with representatives from various groups keenly waiting to see how much support they would receive for their upcoming events and improvements.

This year, the county had $106,370.19 available to allocate, but the requests from 11 organizations across the county added up to a total of $152,000. Naturally, the committee had some careful decision-making to do to ensure a fair distribution of the funds. Here’s a breakdown of how the money will be doled out:

• The Arts Council of Greenwood requested $7,500 to be used for the Arts Center at the Federal Building. The committee approved $4,125.
• Greenwood Chamber of Commerce requested and received $25,000 for the South Carolina Festival of Flowers.
• Greenwood Community Theatre requested $7,500 for the 2024-25 events and programming, and the committee disbursed $4,125.
• Greenwood Performing Arts requested $25,000 for the upcoming season and received $10,720.
• The Museum requested and received $5,000 for summer destination exhibits.
• The Railroad Historical Center requested and received $6,000 for upkeep and improvements.
• Ninety Six Historical Society requested $8,000 and was approved for a $4,400 allocation.
• The Town of Ninety Six requested $15,000 for the operation of the Visitors Center and received $8,250.
• The Town of Ninety Six also requested $25,000 for the Festival of Stars and was allocated $13,750.
• The Town of Ware Shoals requested $8,000 for the Catfish Feastival; $5,000 was approved.
• Uptown Greenwood Development Corporation requested and received $20,000 for the Festival of Discovery and Greenwood Blues Cruise.

These allocation recommendations will now be further discussed and are expected to receive final approval at the County Council’s next meeting scheduled for October 1 at 5:30 p.m.

The committee, composed of hotel and hospitality representatives, bases its funding decisions on state law requirements. The state collects an annual tax from hotels, which is mandated by law to be used for tourism-related expenditures within Greenwood County.

“The funds are required to be used for what the law defines as tourism-related expenditures,” noted County Treasurer Steffani Dorn. “That includes advertising and promotion of tourism, promotion of arts and cultural events, construction, maintenance, and operation of facilities for civic and cultural activities, and public facilities such as restrooms and parking lots.”

If you wish to learn more or have tips and story ideas to share, you can reach Renee Ortiz at 864-943-5643. Follow her updates on social media for more insights on how these allocations impact Greenwood County.

In related weather news, the region is currently experiencing tropical storm conditions with windy conditions and periods of rain expected this morning. However, some sunshine is forecasted for the afternoon with a high of 78°F and winds from the south at 25 to 35 mph. There’s a 100% chance of rain, with expected rainfall close to half an inch. For tonight, clear skies are anticipated with a low of 62°F and winds calming to 5 to 10 mph.

Stay safe and dry, Greenwood!