The Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Programs has issued a statement responding to a recent Post and Courier article regarding the organization’s use of Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) funds.
Chamber leaders said they were not contacted prior to publication and were not given adequate time to respond. They welcomed the opportunity, however, to clarify the facts and reaffirm their commitment to “transparency, accountability, and lawful financial stewardship.”
The Chamber confirmed it received an inquiry from the South Carolina Tourism Expenditure Review Committee (TERC) more than a month ago. TERC oversees how municipalities spend accommodations tax revenue to ensure it supports tourism-related activities.
According to Chamber officials, the state inquiry stemmed from an anonymous and unsupported allegation that A-Tax revenue may have been misused for non-tourism purposes. The Chamber said it has provided detailed documentation and financial reports showing all funds were spent in compliance with state law to promote tourism in the region.
“We have complied with the law, submitted regular reports, and used all funds solely to promote tourism and support our local economy,” said Lindsey Miles, Chair of the Greater Cayce West Columbia Chamber. “We welcome oversight and are cooperating fully with the state to ensure complete transparency.”
The Chamber emphasized that oversight by TERC is a routine process for any organization that manages public funds, and called any suggestion of wrongdoing “inaccurate and disingenuous.”
A-Tax allocations to the Chamber, leaders said, have always been made publicly by elected officials, with annual reports submitted and approved by the funding municipalities. The Chamber’s finances are board-approved and reviewed regularly by its Finance and Audit Committee.
“Our Board—comprising more than 20 local business, municipal, and tourism leaders—takes its fiduciary responsibility seriously,” Miles said. “We remain proud of the work the Chamber has done to enhance tourism, grow local business, and strengthen our communities.”
The statement concluded that the Chamber remains “fully committed to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and serving as a trusted partner in the economic vitality of Cayce, West Columbia, and the surrounding region.”
SIDEBAR: What is A-Tax Funding?
Accommodations Tax (A-Tax) is a state-collected tax on hotel and short-term lodging stays. A portion of that revenue is returned to local governments to support tourism promotion and development.
Local councils distribute A-Tax funds to qualified organizations that attract visitors and enhance tourism-related infrastructure.
How it’s monitored:
- The South Carolina Tourism Expenditure Review Committee (TERC) oversees the spending of A-Tax revenue statewide.
- TERC ensures that all expenditures directly support tourism-related activities.
- Municipalities and partner organizations must file annual reports detailing how funds are spent.
In Lexington County and surrounding areas, A-Tax dollars often support events, visitor centers, marketing, and local tourism organizations—helping to boost regional visibility and economic growth.
