Council authorizes funds for $1.5 million wayfinding signage project using accommodation, hospitality and earmarked funds

The Summerville Town Council authorized the use of funds for a townwide wayfinding signage project on Oct. 9, approving set-asides from multiple revenue sources to complete the program.

The administration asked the council to authorize the use of $1,500,000 and $500,000 increments from three funds — local accommodations tax, hospitality tax and state earmarked funds — to finance the wayfinding project. Staff told councilmembers the state earmarked funds were already in hand and that the project will likely be paid to the vendor in multiple installments.

Council members asked about the designs, locations and timing for the signs. Public-works staff said the concepts and design work are included in the agenda packet and that signs would be placed throughout the town to guide visitors to parks and business districts. Council members noted the work on designs took approximately three months and was coordinated with Dorchester County to match county signage efforts.

Some council members expressed caution about the use of accommodation and hospitality taxes, noting those funds are often used to support other organizations and events. Staff said the chosen signage concepts are intended to beautify the town and help visitors and residents find parks and commercial districts.

The council approved the funding authorization by voice vote.