HTAX Committee

Local hospitality tax money is budgeted for programs and improvements designed to increase tourism and bring customers into Forest Acres restaurants and businesses.

South Carolina state law outlines how a city can collect and budget the revenue generated by local hospitality taxes. Forest Acres collects two percent on prepared foods and beverages sold inside the city limits.

Because of these laws, the revenue is kept separate from the city's general fund and is budgeted for programs and improvements designed to drive tourism back into Forest Acres.

HTAX money has been awarded to local school events and non-profits such as The Therapy Place and the Bankhead Memorial Tennis Tournament. HTAX money also funds two free festivals annually for citizens, the Forest Acres Festival in the spring and Sweet Seasons during the holidays.

To receive hospitality tax funding, an organization or event must follow the city's guidelines and application process.

The process includes submitting a completed application that is first reviewed by the HTAX committee. The committee is comprised of citizens appointed by city council. The committee makes a recommendation to approve or deny the HTAX application to city council and the applications are then voted on by city council at a meeting open to the public.

Please note as of January 1, 2023, ALL applications must be submitted THREE MONTHS before the event date to ensure ample time for consideration. This is a change to recent years so please note this deadline as it will be strictly enforced.

HTAX COMMITTEE MEMBERS:

HTAX GRANTS FUNDED 

FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027

September 2026

Satchelford PTO: Freaky Friday - $2,500

FISCAL YEAR 2025 - 2026

March 2026

Midlands Light Opera Society - $5,860

Forest Lake Educational Foundation: Run Forrest, Run 5k - $2,500

January 2026

Town Theater: Arts in the Acres - $5,000

Rockbridge Bankhead Smash Cancer Tennis Tournamnet - $10,000

The Therapy Place Miracles in Motion - $5,000

The Therapy Place Therapalooza - $12,500

September 2025 

Satchelford PTO: Freaky Friday - $2,500

AC Flora Athletics : $40,411

i. AC Flora Forest Acres Classic Baseball Tournament: $30,000

ii. AC Flora Men and Women’s Golf: $5,000

iii. AC Flora Women’s Softball: $3,161

iv. AC Flora Booster Club Super Saturday:  $2,250

July 2025

The Therapy Place Therapalooza Fundraiser: $20,000