COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Columbia City Council is hiring an accountant to review how almost 90 arts and cultural organizations have spent $12 million in hospitality tax money during the past two years.
The State newspaper reports (https://bit.ly/25MSbj4 ) that only Mayor Stephen Benjamin voted against the idea this week calling it “an attack on the arts.” Six council members supported the idea.
Council wants an accountant to take a closer look after an outside auditing firm faulted the city for allowing hospitality tax money to pay for meals and board meetings for arts and cultural groups. The money is supposed to be used for events to promote tourism.
The accountant will now review thousands of expense claims submitted to the city. The 2 percent tax is levied on food and drinks sold in Columbia.
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