Washington County’s Tourist Development Council continued their Planning Workshops June 4th to update the bylaw, public records policies, and event grant application which date back to 2016, 2014 and 2011 respectively.
The TDC was established in 2000 by the Washington County Board of County Commissioners with funding for the agency authorized by the implementation of a bed tax on transient rental accommodations. The voters of Washington County approved the bed tax in 2000.
As currently established, TDC funds are only available to support new projects/programs, not annually recurring programs.
The grant applications are required to conform to the following guidelines:
- Sponsorship – A major event sponsored within the County by non-profit organizations that attract visitors from outside the County.
- Special Events Multiple or one-day events sponsored by a non-profit Washington County-based organization. Events must be open to the public (i.e. Festivals, art shows, historical events, etc.).
- Amateur Sports Events – Organized amateur tournaments or events held within the County that bring large numbers of participants from outside the County.
- Municipal Projects – Projects sponsored by cities within Washington County to establish new and/or refurbish existing facilities for cultural events and performances within the County.
The TDC board has set two more Planning Workshops – one on July 9th at 9 a.m. and a second on July 23 at 10 a.m. to continue updating/revising their bylaws, public records policies and event grant applicaiton.
They have also set a Special Meeting on June 18th at 10 a.m. and another Special Meeting on July 23rd following their Workshop to finalize all changes.
All meetings of the Washington County Tourist Development Council at held at the Chamber of Commerce office in Chipley and are open to the public.