Town of Bluffton Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee Meeting, Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 6:00pm

The Town of Bluffton Accommodation Tax Advisory Committee met on May 19, 2026, to review and discuss the allocation of accommodation tax funds for various tourism-related projects and events. The committee received a report on recent tax collections totaling nearly $190,000 for the quarter ending March 31, with a remaining balance of over $517,000 available for distribution. Six grant applications requesting a total of approximately $155,000 were considered. Presentations included a detailed tourism marketing plan for fiscal year 2026-2027 by the Hilton Head Island Bluffton Chamber of Commerce, requesting $340,000 to support digital marketing, social media, and visitor engagement efforts. Other funding requests included support for the Farmers Market rental fees, the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra's events, and a partial grant of $7,500 for Beaufort Water Search and Rescue's replacement boat, which was discussed extensively regarding its eligibility under tourism-related expenditures. The committee also approved a $5,000 grant for the Historic Bluffton Foundation's Juneteenth Festival. Motions to approve or recommend funding were passed for several applications, reflecting the committee's focus on supporting tourism infrastructure, events, and marketing to enhance visitor experiences and economic benefits for Bluffton.