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TDC reports bed‑tax gains, marketing milestones; amphitheater grant discussed but no payment approved
Summary
TDC staff reported year‑over‑year bed‑tax and occupancy gains, marketing awards and website traffic increases; the board discussed a previously approved $150,000 amphitheater grant (2019) but took no payment action pending grant paperwork and environmental reviews.
Columbia County Tourist Development Council members received reports showing year‑over‑year increases in bed tax revenue for November, improvements in occupancy and average daily rate, and strong website and social media performance for 2024. The board also revisited a 2019 decision to commit $150,000 toward a downtown amphitheater project but did not release funds because required grant paperwork and environmental reviews remain incomplete.
Staff reported November bed‑tax revenues were up 22.36% year‑over‑year, while fiscal-year totals trended lower when comparing broader months affected by hurricane activity. Occupancy was reported up 4.1%, average daily rate up 10.4%, and RevPAR (revenue per available room) up 15%; the recorded room rate cited in the packet was $93.55. Michelle Moore, marketing coordinator, briefed the board on digital performance: website sessions rose 44% and new users grew 46% in 2024; social media impressions and follower counts increased, and the county received a marketing award to be accepted in February.
On staffing, the interim director said the office manager position had closed and staff planned to advertise for the director position; the marketing coordinator had been filling dual duties as needed. The board briefly discussed planned changes to the county boardroom and meeting room layout to improve audio and public viewing.
The board reviewed the amphitheater item the transcript lists as a prior 2019 TDC commitment of $150,000 tied to a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) that was expected to fund the project. Staff said the city had received the CDBG grant but was awaiting extensions and environmental review clearance; board members repeatedly emphasized the TDC's reimbursement policy and that the $150,000 would not be issued without the grant paperwork and environmental clearances. One board member noted construction costs have risen since 2019 and asked the city to resubmit updated plans and budgets before the TDC considers disbursing funds.
Ending Staff agreed to follow up with the city and grant administrators, request updated environmental review results and any extension paperwork, and bring the amphitheater item back to the board once required documentation is received. The board took no payment action at this meeting.
