Orangeburg council approves using hospitality tax to repair Chamber of Commerce building

The Orangeburg City Council voted to use hospitality tax funds to pay for repairs to the Chamber of Commerce building damaged in the November flood, according to a resolution adopted in the meeting. Council members said they prefer to begin repairs now rather than wait for federal reimbursement.

Council Assistant City Administrator Teresa Williams told the council that insurance would not cover the damage because the building lies in a high-risk flood zone and the policy deductible is large. Williams provided a cost breakdown presented to council: about $72,000 for water and electrical repairs, roughly $25,000 for content removal, and about $320,000 for general repairs — total approximately $400,000. She said the city has submitted materials to FEMA but “we have just started the process, so it may take a while,” and there is “no guarantee” FEMA will reimburse the full amount.

Councilman Grievous moved to adopt the resolution authorizing hospitality tax funds for the repairs; Councilman Kittle seconded. The motion carried with the meeting’s vote recorded as “Ayes have it.” The adopted resolution directs the city to pay the repair costs from the hospitality tax fund and to reimburse that fund if and when FEMA grants are received.

The council discussed stewardship of city property and the risks of delaying repairs, including additional unrepaired damage if the building remains unaddressed. City staff emphasized the city’s obligation to repair a municipally owned property whether or not federal funds arrive.

No specific timetable for the work or procurement details were provided at the meeting; staff said FEMA paperwork is in its early stages.