Accommodations Tax advisory committee elects Steven Arnold chair, sets application and workshop dates

Steven Arnold was elected chairman and John Farrell was elected vice chairman of the Beaufort County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee during a brief meeting on July 18. The committee also welcomed new finance director Adrianna Burnett, who outlined the upcoming application schedule for accommodations‑tax funding.

"August 5 is we open the application. August 15 is when we actually have the workshop, so bring any questions you may have," Burnett told the committee, urging applicants not to wait until the last day to submit materials. She said the electronic application will open Aug. 5, the workshop will be held Aug. 15 at 9 a.m. in the chamber, and the application deadline is Sept. 6.

The committee adopted the meeting agenda and approved minutes from April 4, 2024, by show of hands. Nomination and election of officers were also handled by voice/show‑of‑hands votes: a motion to nominate Steven Arnold as chairman passed, and Farrell accepted nomination and was approved as vice chairman.

Departing member Mr. Pfluger received a certificate of appreciation and offered brief remarks. "It was an honor to serve the town and to serve its citizens," he said, and advised the committee to "remember just to follow the path, stay within the lines, know your duties" and consult the town attorney and finance staff when needed.

Burnett asked committee members to direct suggestions for improving the application process to her or to Shannon/Shana, and she encouraged prospective applicants to attend the Aug. 15 workshop to review the application and raise questions. Chair remarks closed the meeting after about 15 minutes, with members noting the workload will increase once the application cycle opens.

The committee did not receive any public comments at this meeting. The next public workshop and the application opening were the primary operational items announced for the coming weeks.