Greenville County committee backs $1.35 million accommodations-tax grant recommendations

The Greenville County Council Finance Committee approved the accommodations-tax (ATAX) funding recommendations for fiscal year 2025–26 after hearing a presentation from the county ATAX committee and Visit Greenville SC.

The ATAX advisory committee recommended a budget based on a projected county accommodations-tax revenue of $1,395,000 for FY2025–26, with a total available distribution of $634,300 after required set‑asides and a $100,000 surplus carryover, the committee told the finance panel. The committee’s recommendations prioritize direct tourism drivers and ongoing promotion programs, with Visit Greenville SC receiving a substantial share.

The ATAX program directs a fixed $25,000 to local county government, 5% of the net to the county general fund, 30% to a designated organization for ongoing tourism promotion (identified in committee materials as Visit Greenville SC), and requires that 65% of net revenue be used for tourism-related activities. BJ, chair of the advisory committee, and ATAX staff explained the grading process: applicants were graded A–D based on projected impact on hotel occupancy in unincorporated areas, with A’s and B’s receiving the bulk of available funds and C’s limited to no more than 10% of the net budget.

“Heath Dillard, president and CEO at Visit Greenville SC, told the committee that tourists generated an estimated $2,500,000,000 in economic impact in 2024 and more than $200,000,000 in state and local tax revenue, and that without that visitor tax revenue, “every household in Greenville County would pay an additional $931.” His remarks were offered as context for prioritizing events and programs that bring hotel room nights.

Committee members discussed outreach to lower‑graded organizations. BJ said the committee has offered and will continue to offer workshops and budget‑assistance to help C‑grade applicants improve future applications; he cited a recent successful example in support of a newer outdoor festival that the committee funded based on growth potential. Councilor Collins asked for clarification about eligibility and fiscal-year timing; staff explained that events must fall within the budgeted fiscal year to be eligible and gave the example of a Clemson University conference that was ineligible because its date fell outside the fiscal year covered by the award.

After discussion, a motion to approve the packet of ATAX recommendations was made and carried by voice vote.

The committee emphasized that ATAX funds are restricted by state mandate to activities that drive visitors to county hotels in unincorporated areas and cannot be used for unrelated expenses such as roads. Staff and the advisory committee said they will continue outreach to smaller applicants to bolster future competitiveness and will provide follow-up materials to council members on the recommendations and scoring.

The packet provided to the committee lists specific award amounts and grades for 37 applicants; council approved the committee’s consolidated recommendation for distribution.