Council to Vote on Distribution of ATAX Funds Tuesday
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
County council will vote Tuesday on the Anderson County Accommodations Tax Committee recommendations for the distribution of $465,195 in tourism-generated revenue to local events, museums and marketing initiatives for the 2026-2027 funding cycle.
The recommended allocations represent less than half of the $968,558 requested by 55 local organizations, municipalities and tourism bureaus. The funds are generated by the county’s tax on overnight lodging including hotels, motels, bed-and-breakfasts and short-term vacation rentals and are legally required to be spent on initiatives that drive tourism and overnight stays.
State law requires municipalities and counties to reinvest the money directly into tourism-promoting initiatives, civic events, and marketing campaigns designed to attract out-of-town visitors and stimulate the local economy.
The Anderson County Convention and Visitors Bureau secured the largest portion of the recommended funding, driven largely by support for major fishing tournaments on Lake Hartwell. The committee recommended $45,000 for the Bassmaster Classic, $20,000 for the TBF High School Fishing World Finals, and $18,000 for the Bass Nation Championship. The CVB was also recommended to receive $30,000 for operations and $28,000 for marketing.
Community sports and festivals also represent a significant portion of the allocations. The Iva Community Recreation Dixie Youth Softball Tournament was recommended for $22,000. The Cancer Association of Anderson’s Hot Air Affair and the Connect Powdersville Rhythm on the River event are both slated to receive $12,500.
Local arts and history organizations remain staple recipients. The Anderson County Museum is slated to receive $20,500 for promotions, while the Anderson Arts Center was recommended for $15,855 for marketing and operations.
The committee declined to fund only one project entirely: a $40,000 request for the Senior League Baseball World Series, noting the tournament is held outside of the county.
Complete List of Recommendations
2026-2027 Accommodations Tax Committee Recommendations Total Available for Allocation: $465,195.63
Tourism & Marketing
Anderson County CVB, Bassmaster Classic: $45,000
Anderson County CVB, Operations: $30,000
Anderson County CVB, Marketing: $28,000
Anderson County CVB, TBF High School Fishing World Finals: $20,000
Anderson County CVB, Bass Nation Championship: $18,000
Anderson County CVB, SC USA Gymnastics: $13,000
Anderson County CVB, ACA Hartwell Slam: $12,000
Anderson County CVB, Tiger Classic Gymnastics: $12,000
Anderson County CVB, Advertising: $15,000
Lake Hartwell Country, Marketing: $10,000
Discover Upcountry Carolina, Marketing: $7,500
Anderson County CVB, Bass University: $5,000
Anderson County CVB, Saluda River Rally: $2,000
Community Events & Festivals
Cancer Association of Anderson, Hot Air Affair: $12,500
Connect Powdersville, Rhythm on the River: $12,500
ASEC, Celebrate Anderson: $12,000
Main Street Program of Anderson, Car Show: $7,500
Honea Path, Spring Bluegrass Festival: $7,000
Belton Alliance, Chili Cookoff: $6,000
Town of Pendleton, Fall Harvest Festival: $6,000
Honea Path, Fall Festival: $5,800
Pendleton FBHC, Keese Barn Festival: $5,000
Town of Williamston, Freedom Festival: $4,000
Main Street Program of Anderson, Season Promotions: $4,000
Honea Path, Independence Day: $3,740
Williamston Spring Water Committee, Spring Water Festival: $2,000
Town of Iva, Depot Days: $1,450
Williamston Spring Water Committee, Christmas Festival: $1,000
Anderson County Meals on Wheels, Charity Run: $500
Town of Iva, Chili Cookoff: $500
Arts, Culture & History
Anderson County Museum, Promotions: $20,500
Anderson Arts Center, Marketing & Operations: $15,855.63
Market Theatre, Broadway @ Green Pond: $9,500
Pendleton Historic Foundation, Woodburn: $5,000
Pendleton Historic Foundation, Marketing: $3,500
Mill Town Players, Season Promotions: $3,200
Belton Area Museum Assn., Advertising: $2,000
Belton Area Museum Assn., Heritage Days: $2,000
Belton Area Museum Assn., Improvements: $1,500
Anderson Senior Follies, Season Promotions: $1,500
GAMAC, Season Promotions: $1,500
American Legion, Military Heritage: $1,000
Upstate Heritage Quilt Trail, Marketing: $900
Clemson Little Theatre, Season Promotions: $500
Electric City Playhouse, Marketing Outreach: $500
Pendleton Pride In Motion, Signage: $500
Pendleton FBHC, History Challenge: $250
Sports, Recreation & Facilities
ASEC, Marketing: $25,000
Iva Community Rec., Dixie Youth Softball Tournament: $22,000
Garrison Arena, Advertising/Marketing: $12,000
Envision Williamston, Accessibility Improvements: $12,000
Belton Tennis Assoc., Tennis Tournaments: $10,000
SC Jersey Cattle Association, Cattle Show: $3,500
Anderson Area YMCA, Midnight Flight: $2,000
