GEORGETOWN, S.C. —  The City of Georgetown plans to spend $25,000 annually for the next three years for the day-to-day expenses of the Winyah Auditorium, which is still being renovated.

A lease agreement between the city and the Winyah Auditorium Corporation — the council-appointed panel overseeing the renovations — will be considered this week.

Corporation members have said they need the city’s contributions to help bridge the gap until the auditorium is up and running and able to sustain itself.

Money from hospitality taxes

The $75,000 over the next three years will come from Hospitality Taxes, said Georgetown City Administrator Chris Eldridge.

That money will be used on things such as electricity, water, upkeep and taxes.

Money that has been donated by the public is being used for the renovations.

History of renovations

In 2003, the city conveyed the historic building to Dr. Gerald Tiller for his optometrist practice. It was agreed Tiller would reconvey the auditorium, balcony and office space back to the city.

Since that time, the Corporation was formed which will take ownership of the auditorium and the corporation will lease the facility to the city.

That was done after Frannie Heizer, of the McNair Law Firm, said the city cannot enter into a business deal with a private entity.

The corporation was under control of city council but is now an independent board.

The lease will be discussed and acted on by city council at it’s monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

By Scott Harper

sharper@gtowntimes.com