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Walton County OKs three tourism marketing grants after debate over local benefits
Summary
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve three reimbursable tourism marketing grants totaling $45,000, amid debate over whether the awards produce enough lodging nights and local economic benefit and whether charities tied to some events should affect grant decisions.
The Walton County Board of County Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve three reimbursement-style tourism marketing grants recommended by the Tourism Development Council: $25,000 for Sinfonia Gulf Coast, $10,000 for the Maddie Kelly Arts Foundation and $10,000 for the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation.
The grants are reimbursement programs: event organizers submit a plan for media and marketing buys, spend their own funds, then submit receipts for review before the county reimburses them. "They have to expend the money, then they have to demonstrate that what they use the money for," said Matt Algren, tourism department staff, describing the program’s process.
Commissioners debated the grants’ return on investment and local benefit. Commissioner Jerry (last name not specified in transcript) asked whether the awards…
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