County refunds $1,737.50 in park fees for historical festival but declines cash sponsorship

Glynn County commissioners approved a refund of $1,737.50 in park rental and cleanup fees to the Coastal Georgia Historical Society (CGHS) for a planned 2026 semi-quincentennial history festival, but county finance staff told the board that taxpayer funds cannot be used for direct sponsorship.

Lisa Gerganas, Glynn County’s recreation and parks director, brought the request forward and said CGHS’s executive director, Dr. Winnie Nell Stewart, was present to explain the event. Dr. Stewart described a weeklong festival that includes school-day programming for Glynn County students and a weekend exhibit featuring the Museum of the American Revolution’s "Oval Office" project. She said weekend hours would be roughly 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and that the county’s waived fees would bring the organization close to a lowest sponsor tier, described as a $2,500 "captain" level.

"We would love to be able to recognize Glynn County as a sponsor," Dr. Stewart said during her remarks. County CFO Tamara Munson answered commissioners’ questions about sponsorship policy: "Typically, we do not do sponsorships. It is not something we're allowed to use taxpayer money to support any nonprofits," she said, and added that the county could approve a fee refund and could offer in-kind support such as lighting.

A commissioner moved to approve the refund of $1,737.50; the motion received a first and second and passed on the record. County staff said the refund covers rental and cleanup fees for part of the multi-day event. The meeting record does not show a roll-call tally. The board did not authorize a cash sponsorship; commissioners discussed permitting the refunded amount to be used by CGHS toward sponsorship-level recognition or providing noncash support.