Sullivan County Legislature adopts tourism grant program after debate over reimbursement and review committee

Sullivan County lawmakers on March 26 adopted an amended Tourism Sector Enhancement Grant Program that charges a mixed committee with reviewing applications and returns final awarding authority to the full legislature.

The measure, introduced as resolution number 2, passed after an amendment on a 8-1 vote, with Legislator Katarina "Kat" (last name not specified in the record) voting no. The amendment added a fourth legislator to the committee and specified that the grants could include non-reimbursable disbursements; the full board retains final approval before money is dispersed.

Supporters said the program is intended to drive visitors and local sales tax by funding events and marketing. Michelle (economic development staff) described the intended process: applicants would submit documentation to a committee made up of legislators and three Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA) members; the committee would review materials with audit, management and budget, and planning staff and then recommend awards to the full legislature. "So then they're gonna make a recommendation to the board, and then…