The Glynn County Board of Commissioners approved a $1,737.50 refund of park rental fees to the Coastal Georgia Historical Society for a planned March 2026 week-long history festival, after staff clarified the county’s limits on sponsorships.

Lisa Gerganas, Glynn County Recreation & Parks director, introduced the request and said the society’s executive director sought both a waiver/refund of park rental fees and that the county consider sponsorship so the society could include county recognition in marketing materials. Dr. Winnie Nell Stewart, executive director of the Coastal Georgia Historical Society, described a program of week-long activities culminating with the Museum of the American Revolution’s "First Oval Office" exhibit: Friday would be for Glynn County students, and Saturday–Sunday (about 9 a.m.–6 p.m.) would be free and open to the public; a donation from Brunswick Cellulose will underwrite free weekend admission.

Tamara Munson, Glynn County chief financial officer, told the commission that policy generally bars using taxpayer funds to sponsor nonprofits; however, the county can approve a refund of already-collected fees and may provide in-kind assistance (for example, lighting) rather than a cash sponsorship. Dr. Stewart said the lowest sponsorship tier ("captain") is $2,500 and that park rental fees would nearly reach that level; commissioners asked clarifying questions about which days and fees the refund would cover and whether cleanup fees are refundable. Staff explained the park rental total includes a nonrefundable cleaning fee and covers three of the five event days; the refundable portion was described as the rental portion, not the cleaning fee.

Commissioner Sweat moved to approve the refund request in the amount of $1,737.50; the motion received a second and the commission voted to approve the refund. Commissioners and staff noted the county could also consider in-kind support in coordination with Parks staff.

The county approved the refund and clarified that formal cash sponsorships would conflict with county finance restrictions, leaving in-kind support and fee refunds as the available options.