Tourism authority approves $9,800 for Newland Christmas Tree Festival and moves to open TDA bank account

The Newland Tourism Development Authority voted 3-0 Nov. 4 to approve a $9,800 request to fund the Newland Christmas Tree Festival and to open a local TDA bank account, the authority’s chair said.

The vote came after the chair introduced two items of business: establishing an account to manage TDA funds and considering the standing request to fund the festival. On the account, the chair said the authority will use United Community Bank — the town’s bank — so “they can literally move … the funds” electronically with the town, avoiding the need for checks.

Members agreed the account should be opened within a day or two after required paperwork is submitted. The chair said that, under North Carolina statute, the account needs two signatures: one from the town manager and one from a TDA member, which is why the chair and vice chair are commonly set as signatories.

On the festival request, the chair described the Newland Christmas Tree Festival as central to the TDA’s mandate to promote tourism and presented a standing request for $9,800. A committee member moved the request; a second by John was recorded. The authority took a voice vote in which three members said “aye” and no members opposed. The chair announced, “Motion carries.”

The meeting record shows members will follow up with Vice Chair Christie Ray to obtain her completed forms so the account can be opened, and the chair adjourned the session after the vote.

The authority did not take additional actions at the Nov. 4 meeting.