GEORGETOWN, S.C. —  A committee whose task is to divvy out Accommodations Tax funds has voted to suspend its funding of the Winyah High School Auditorium.

However, the 4-2 vote taken last week by the Georgetown A-Tax Committee to cut the funds is null and void because the group met without proper notification.

At the non-advertised meeting held Jan. 27, the A-Tax Committee decided $25,000 that has been set aside to help with the renovations of the Historic Highmarket Street building could be better spent elsewhere.

According to Walt Ackerman, the city’s assistant director of finance, the committee members “wanted to make sure that everyone knew that it was not because they did not support the project, but because it did not appear that the money would be used any time in the near future.”

The committee, Ackerman said, “felt it would better serve the community by funding events and projects that will be taking place very soon.”

The committee was left with $20,000 to allocate, but decided to hold $5,000 for other projects that would be applied for in the fall.

Mayor Jack Scoville said Tuesday he is reserving comment on the A-Tax Committee’s recommendation

“I don't know enough about what happened to comment now,” he said.

City Councilwoman Jeanette Ard said she does not agree with the A-Tax Committee’s decision.

“I think council gave (the Winyah Auditorium Board) two years to spend that money and the two years is not up,” she said.

Do-over required

The A-Tax Committee will have to meet again to redo everything that was  done last week because the Freedom of Information Act requires the meetings be advertised.

After the Georgetown Times questioned city leaders about  holding the meeting without notification, it was decided to reschedule the meeting for a date in the near future after it can be properly advertised.

When asked about why there was no notification about the meeting, City Finance Director Jessica Miller said the meeting was not advertised because no new applications were being considered.

“All applications were from the October meeting which was advertised. From what we understand it was not a requirement. We didn't even invite the applicants to the meeting because that wasn't the purpose. Prioritization was the main focus as you know,” Miller responded in an e-mail. “The prioritization comes from the fact that we don't have the money to fund all of the projects at once.

“The funding will have to be done as revenues come in. The committee put the projects in order for funding. It's my understanding that the City has only advertised for applications in the past.”

Before the decision to reschedule the meeting was made Monday, the Georgetown Times asked for an opinion from South Carolina Press Association Executive Director Bill Rogers.

“Whether they had new applications or not, the Tax Committee meeting must be announced and open to the public. Notice most certainly is a requirement,” Rogers said.

Hoping for a change

Betty Roberts, chairwoman of the Winyah Auditorium Board, is hoping the A-Tax Committee will have a change of heart when they hold their meeting again.

The Winyah Auditorium Board met Monday and came to an agreement with the city which should end the snag that has caused the holdup in the completion of the building.

The Board has agreed it will take ownership of the auditorium and surrounding portions of the building. The other portions will still be owned by brothers Dr. Ged and Hank Tiller.

The city is expected to pay the Winyah Auditorium Board $25,000 annually for three years to cover expenses. That money will come from Hospitality, not Accommodations, funds.

If the plan is approved by city council,  Roberts said the board will begin the process of purchasing seating and a sound system for the auditorium, which was supposed to be paid for with the A-Tax funds.

“I think they (the A-Tax Committee) will reconsider now that they see we will be using the money,” Roberts said. “They see the benefits the auditorium will bring to the city and the county.”

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com