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Bluffton council approves ATAC awards including $55,300 to farmers market, halves Historic Bluffton Foundation request
Summary
The council approved ATAC recommendations totaling $193,056 for six applicants, including $55,300 for the Farmers Market and $25,100 for New Bluffton Worship; after debate over operations funding the Historic Bluffton Foundation’s $40,000 request was trimmed to $20,000 with a requirement that staff negotiate performance expectations.
Council reviewed Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee (ATAC) recommendations and approved $193,056 in awards for the quarter ending June 30, following staff presentation of six applications.
Awards approved (motion and unanimous voice votes recorded in the meeting): Farmers Market of Bluffton — $55,300 for the 2025 market season; New Bluffton Worship (Christmas Under the Stars) — $25,100; Society of Bluffton Artists — $27,000; Congregation Beth Yam (Hanukkah event) — $2,830; Historic Bluffton Foundation (Hayward House Museum operations) — council debated the Foundation’s request for $40,000 in operating support and, after discussion about dependence on town operational funding and prior awards, approved $20,000 with direction to town management to negotiate deliverables and a timeline; May River Theater — $42,826 for the 2025 season advertising and promotion.
Council discussion focused on consistent ATAC policy goals: ATAC funds are intended primarily for tourism marketing and visitor-serving activities rather than ongoing operational salaries. Several council members said past guidance asked cultural organizations to pursue greater self-sufficiency; others cautioned against cutting funding too quickly without an implementation plan. The town manager was asked to meet with Historic Bluffton Foundation leadership and return with a memorandum of understanding or clarified scope before additional operational awards are made.
Staff noted this quarter reflects the first time the 15% state aid tax deduction reduced the quarterly distribution available to ATAC. For several awards council members asked staff to follow up with breakdowns of prior spending and promotional results; staff committed to providing post-award reporting and reminded applicants that reimbursement and reporting requirements apply.
Why it matters: The awards support local events and cultural organizations that drive visitor stays and local spending; reducing operational dependency for cultural nonprofits was a recurrent council theme intended to preserve ATAC funds for tourism promotion.
Next steps: Staff to execute award agreements, obtain required documentation from recipients, and report back on performance measures and the manager’s discussions with Historic Bluffton Foundation leadership.
