Greer council approves 2026 accommodations-tax grants after debate over Arts & Eats and cultural events

City of Greer council reviewed and approved the 2026 accommodations‑tax (ATA) grant recommendations after extended discussion about priorities, cultural outreach and the size of awards for marquee events.

Finance director Christopher Klein told the council the city received $326,863 in ATA receipts for FY25; after statutory set‑asides and the state formula, the committee calculated $121,629.90 available for advertising grants and $200,316.65 for programming grants. The accommodations‑tax committee reviewed 26 applications (13 advertising and 13 programming) and recommended awarding the full advertising allotment and $182,290.75 in programming grants while rolling about $18,000 into next year.

Katie Collins, president and CEO of the Greater Greer Chamber of Commerce, summarized economic returns for the Chamber's Arts & Eats event, saying the 2025 festival produced a total economic impact of "over $246,000," directly supported "154 jobs" and generated demand for "204 rooms." Collins said the event draws visitors beyond the city and that advertising dollars help turn local festivals into overnight stays.

Applicants described how grants would be used: the Greer Heritage Museum sought funds to promote a new exhibit and interior travel ads; the Farmers Market requested advertising and programming support; and Jubilee (presented by Any Given Supper in partnership with White Wine & Butter) proposed a curated food-and‑culture festival with a celebrity golf tournament to attract higher-spending visitors.

Council members questioned several committee recommendations, including why the BMW documentary/promotional requests and a proposed public mural received no funding. Committee members said the BMW initiatives already have access to county or other funding and that the mural was judged less likely to draw out‑of‑market tourists, which is the statutory purpose of the ATA.

Several council members also debated whether the committee should roll over part of the programming pot; the committee recommended rollover to preserve flexibility for next year given the larger number of applicants. Council raised concerns about event elements such as alcohol sales at Arts & Eats and whether those elements align with the city's goals for family-friendly programming; proponents responded that partnerships with local businesses (for example, Southern Growl brewery) both support local vendors and contribute charitable proceeds to local relief efforts.

Councilman Booker moved an amendment to increase the Foothills Philharmonic classical concert award from $2,000 to $10,000 and to add $10,000 more to Jubilee's program award (raising Jubilee's programming award to $25,000). The amendment passed on a vote of the council, and the accommodations‑tax package was approved as amended by unanimous roll call vote.

The final package approved by council funds a mix of advertising and programming priorities, including website redesign support for DiscoverGreer, the Chamber's Arts & Eats festival advertising and multiple small cultural and festival grants that the committee judged to generate out‑of‑market attendance. Council recorded the allocations and directed staff to proceed with grant agreements and reporting as required by ATA rules.