PRT commission approves spring 2026 ATAX grants and several capital and operating expenditures

PRT Director Phil Shirley told commissioners on March 5 that the county is operating with a tighter-than-normal ATAX balance and that staff had temporarily reallocated funds to cover capital priorities. The commission reviewed spring 2026 ATAX grant requests, debated proportional reductions and approved a slate of awards and several capital and operating expenditures in unanimous votes.

Shirley opened the meeting with the treasurer's update, saying the county had to redirect roughly $700,000 toward a capital project (South Cove/Southco pavilion work) and drawn a smaller amount from the state-side allocation. He recommended a conservative available-cash target of $50,000 per funding cycle until revenue improves to preserve a buffer for operations.

The commission then reviewed 12 grant applications and other requests for the spring 2026 cycle. After group deliberations that began with a proposal to test a uniform 50% funding level, commissioners adjusted amounts for specific applicants based on perceived tourism return, matching funds and project readiness. Among the approved awards were:

Votes at a glance: City of Seneca (advertising): $5,000 (motion approved…