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Columbia council allocates hospitality‑tax funds to Black Expo, SC High School League and Ivy Heritage Gala
Summary
Council approved second‑round hospitality‑tax awards, allocating $80,000 to Black Expo, $25,000 to the South Carolina High School League and $15,000 to the Ivy Heritage Foundation of Irmo after debate over available funds; one councilor voted no.
The Columbia City Council approved a second round of hospitality‑tax grant awards for fiscal year 2025–26, reallocating available funds across three applicants.
Assistant city manager Missy Kaufman presented requests from the South Carolina High School League (a $15,000 request for basketball championships), Black Expo (a $100,000 request) and the Ivy Heritage Foundation of Irmo (request amount discussed but not fully detailed in the application record). Councilors debated award amounts and availability in the hospitality‑tax fund, with several members asking staff for clarification of eligible expenses.
Council ultimately approved a motion to allocate $80,000 to Black Expo, $25,000 to the South Carolina High School League and $15,000 to the Ivy Heritage Foundation. The motion carried with a recorded no vote by Mister McDowell; the roll call otherwise showed approval.
Council asked staff to collect additional documentation for future requests and to confirm eligible hospitality expenses for applicants seeking awards on short timelines.
