County awards tourism grant to Saint Paul's Oktoberfest, board clarifies merchandise sponsorship rules
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Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a $2,970 initial tourism grant for Saint Paul's Oktoberfest, with a $1,980 follow-up payment contingent on post-event reporting. Board members also gave staff discretionary authority to fund promotional merchandise under two options: county-branded items can either be provided for free at the event by the tourism
The King George Board of Supervisors on June 3 approved a tourism grant award for Saint Paul's Oktoberfest for fiscal year 2025-26 and clarified how unused discretionary sponsorship funds may be applied to promotional merchandise.
The county's Tourism Advisory Committee had recommended the festival receive funds to support printed marketing ($2,000), parking and signage ($2,500), a music stipend ($450) and a tent-permit fee waiver. The committee's calculation follows a new grant format that seeks to limit marketing-only requests while allowing up to 10% of marketing funds for certain non-marketing event costs. Saint Paul's original application qualified them for a 60% upfront grant payment and the remaining 40% to be released after the event and required reporting.
The board's vote approved the initial $2,970 disbursement; staff explained the applicant would receive the additional $1,980 after meeting post-event reporting requirements. Separately, board members asked whether the county should authorize additional discretionary sponsorship funds (from tourism revenue) to produce promotional merchandise bearing the county's logo. Two options were discussed: (1) allow the organizer to sell county-funded branded merchandise as a fundraiser, with accounting controls, or (2) the county could produce the items and distribute them for free at a county-branded booth at the event. Board members directed staff to allow the second approach (county-supplied giveaways) as the cleaner option, though staff said either approach could be used if the organizer preferred to manage sales and accounting.
Why this matters
Tourism grants are funded from transient-occupancy (lodging) tax receipts. Support for festivals helps attract visitors and local spending but raises questions about equitable use of tourism dollars and controls when promotional materials are produced with public funds.
Board action
The board approved the grant award and accepted staff's recommended process for discretionary sponsorship items, including the option for county-produced giveaways at the event.
Quote
"If it's cleaner for everybody, we can provide the merchandise at our booth so there's no debate about accounting and whether tax dollars are being converted to private benefit," said Supervisor Davis.
Ending
Saint Paul's Oktoberfest will receive the approved grant funding; county tourism staff will work with the organizer on the post-event reporting requirements and merchandising arrangement in advance of the festival.
