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Council approves $7,200 hospitality‑tax grant for St. Patrick’s Day festival and suspends alcohol ordinance for the event
Summary
After extended debate over past reporting and event alcohol policy, council approved a $7,200 HAX grant to the Batesburg Business Association for a St. Patrick’s Day festival, with the condition that reimbursement reflect 50% of actual expenses if total expenditures are lower; council also passed a resolution suspending the town’s alcohol ordinance for the May 14 event.
Batesburg‑Leesville Town Council approved a $7,200 hospitality‑tax grant to the Batesburg Business Association (BBA) for a St. Patrick’s Day festival after a lengthy discussion about prior reporting and whether town funds should support events where alcohol is served. Lisa Lewis, identified in the meeting as the BBA president, said the event’s estimated expenses had risen this year because the headline performer and equipment costs were higher; she told council that the BBA would not spend town funds on alcohol and that sponsorships and vendor fees offset some costs.
Councilman Hall and others pressed the BBA on past reporting compliance. “Last year they did not meet the reporting requirements 30 days after the close of the event,” Councilman Hall said, arguing for a reduced award; other members urged consistency with prior HAX awards and emphasized community promotion. Council amended an initial $5,000 motion to grant the full requested $7,200 with language requiring that reimbursement be limited to 50% of actual expenses if final expenditures were less than the estimate.
Separately, council voted to approve a resolution suspending the town’s alcohol ordinance for the festival on May 14, 2026. Some council members said they worried about precedent—one member questioned whether town funds should support events that serve alcohol—while supporters argued the suspension was consistent with prior event approvals and necessary to support the festival.
The council’s action included two formal votes: the grant award and the alcohol‑ordinance suspension. Staff will process reimbursements against documented expenses and monitor compliance with HAX reporting rules. Lisa Lewis said the BBA expected strong vendor and sponsorship support and that the event aims to bring people to the town’s business district.
The next step: staff will ensure the grant reimbursement reflects actual eligible expenses and follow up on missed past reporting for prior grants.
