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TDC extends special committee to finish grant‑scoring matrix after county attorney guidance
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Summary
The council voted to extend a special committee charged with creating a grant-scoring matrix for tourism funding after a committee member raised legal questions; the county attorney clarified committees can make recommendations but not execute funding decisions, and serving on a committee does not automatically preclude applicants from receiving funds.
The Escambia County Tourist Development Council voted on Feb. 3 to extend a special committee that is drafting recommendations and a grading matrix for awarding tourism grants.
Commissioner Ashley Hoffberger, who led the update, said the first committee meeting was productive and advanced a matrix that would score proposals on economic impact, tourism generation and whether a project duplicates existing offerings. At a second meeting a member raised legal concerns; the county attorney advised that a committee may gather and vet ideas but cannot exercise delegated authority to award funds. Hoffberger said the attorney also advised that serving on such a committee does not in itself bar a member from later applying for funds, unless a benefit would be uniquely tailored to that person.
Hoffberger moved to extend the committee so it could return with concrete recommendations; another member seconded the motion. The clerk called the roll and recorded affirmative votes from James Reeves; Ashley Hoffberger; Charles Baer; Jason Nicholson; Mary Hoxhill; and David Breyer. The motion passed.
Members said the committee’s objective is to create a clearer, more consistent process for grant awards, including a scoring matrix with categories such as economic impact and tourism-driving potential. The council asked Hoffberger to return with specific recommendations and a timeline for completing the work.
The council’s action was limited to extending the committee’s term and asking for recommendations; any changes to funding policy or awards would still require council and county commission approval.
