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<p><strong>County accepting applications for 3 percent tax funds</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort County is now accepting applications from organizations located within the County wishing to receive grants from the local accommodations tax fund as well as the hospitality tax fund.</p>
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<p>Each fiscal year, on a quarterly basis, Beaufort County receives revenues from a 3 percent local accommodations tax (A-Tax) imposed on tourist lodging as well as a hospitality tax (H-Tax), which is imposed on the sale of prepared meals and beverages.</p>
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<p>Per the County’s Code of Ordinances (Sec. 66-44 for local A-Tax or Sec. 66-534 for H-Tax), these revenues must be used for tourism-related purposes. Local organizations interested in receiving a grant for one of the outlined objectives, must submit applications to the County through their grant application process.</p>
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<p>The current year application (2021/2022) is available online at https://bit.ly/2Z9sos3.</p>
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<p>Applications will not be accepted if received incomplete or after 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 31. Questions regarding the application process should be directed to Shannon Milroy at 843-255-2302 or localtaxapps@bcgov.net.</p>
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<p><strong>SC Stay Plus program helps more than 275 Beaufort County households</strong></p>
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<p>The SC Stay Plus pandemic-related rent relief program has paid almost $1.5 million so far to landlords in Beaufort County to keep residents in their homes. Since August, the program has had representatives in Beaufort County to assist residents struggling with back rent and utility payments due to pandemic-related financial instability.</p>
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<p>The outreach has been successful with more than 275 households approved and receiving rental assistance. Over the last month, SC Stay Plus has received 1,000 more applications since the federal eviction moratorium ended. SC Stay Plus provides payments directly to landlords and utility companies.</p>
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<p><strong>Battery Creek pool closing for repairs</strong></p>
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<p>Beaufort County's Parks and Recreation Department announced that Battery Creek Pool will close for repairs and resurfacing. The pool will close beginning Monday, November 29 and is not scheduled to reopen until after January 1, 2022.</p>
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<p>County residents will be able to swim five days a week at Beaufort Pool, located on Youmans Drive behind Beaufort High School (map). The amended hours of operation at Beaufort Pool will be 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.</p>
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<p>Once Battery Creek Pool reopens, it is anticipated both pools will return to their regular hours of operation.</p>
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<p>For questions and more information, call Beaufort County Parks and Recreation Department at 843-255-6710.</p>
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