The Smoky Mountain News published a rundown of the Jackson County Tourism Development Authority’s budget. As it turned out, the authority collected $50,000 more than the $600,000 expected. If you are a tourist, and you think it is an unwise application for your hard-earned money, then tough. You can’t vote unless you’re a staycator.

  • $261,000: advertising and marketing campaign
  • $74,000: Cashiers Visitor Center operations and overhead
  • $81,000: Jackson County Visitor Center operations and overhead
  • $28,000: printing, mainly for brochures
  • $22,000: postage, mainly for sending travel guides to prospective visitors
  • $8,000: 800-number phone line for visitor inquiries
  • $15,000: grants to support special events and festivals
  • $32,000: public relations/media outreach
  • $15,000: special projects and contingency
  • $38,000: financial and accounting services through the county, including billing and tax collection
  • $26,000: general overhead, including insurance, travel, office supplies, insurance, and audit.