[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6678989,"mediaKeyId","2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b","parentId",2096004,"title","County sues over cruise‑terminal taxes; EPA and procurement issues also on joint workshop agenda","audioSeconds",240,"startMs",10440000,"endMs",10680000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b&start=10440&end=10680","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b/thumbnail_10440000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6678989/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/County-sues-over-cruiseterminal-taxes-EPA-and-procurement-issues-also-on-joint-workshop-agenda","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6678989-1dedf609314d2cd8fd62041bd4e4bd17/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194287&Signature=TxCK8wqm4jXTdD01U73hmZsemNLGYAkePkzHybAm8KyI2jdLaHU0Tdato9JXAQqgJDkVb~preir~MwUO5tHGE~DF4biFS7NDDeut9vC5p8K2DTzBWf0NzrRS8LJDe3VakjiMSQeDBrv4Re47n02j2JjQYKcccDGrL2rkYim3L-l0hi~6z08yXOOtyrlTmBirejNJqvH032ZWFvSgVuFmvi-FRdSTKY26~2Esj1ZRCOkcyjBVP5Hs0ca~npGeS4QdUXsxl2DK1XTe4GQwQy-AGgAVxvA0nO0SeKNcJZ7cbcxTcm8-UPTFlur-5t9UV9gfTygd9-R9EAF4AgsrXL5PPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Galveston","date","2025-01-09T00:00:00Z","article","Legal issues involving port property and operations figured prominently in the joint workshop.

Tax litigation: Port legal counsel and trustees described two pending lawsuits concerning tax treatment of cruise-terminal property. One suit, described by counsel, alleges the cruise terminal owner (a terminal operating entity) should be taxed for tax year 2022; an appraisal review and administrative process had already generated a refund, and county taxing units subsequently filed their challenge, which now is in court. A second, broader suit challenges whether Cruise Terminal 10 is exempt public property and, if not, whether its value should be placed on the tax rolls. Counsel explained that if the court were to find the property taxable, collection consequences could affect port revenues and have downstream budgetary effects (and that, under current school‑funding rules, some additional revenue could go to the state rather than local schools).

EPA reporting matter: Port counsel said the Environmental Protection Agency had been in discussions with the port about hazardous‑waste reporting related to city‑owned property. Counsel previously had planned a joint city‑port approach; counsel reported that EPA subsequently agreed the city did not need to be a party to the matter and that the port would proceed in discussions with EPA.

Why it matters: A court ruling that taxable cruise-terminal status applies could have material revenue consequences for the port and city. Trustees said they had filed motions in court and that the litigation is pending; they asked both boards to stay informed as cases proceed.

Next steps: Port counsel said motions and filings are pending in the litigation and that staff will coordinate with the city attorney on confidential updates where appropriate; trustees and council members asked for a mechanism to keep council informed about material pending lawsuits, subject to confidentiality rules and counsel’s guidance.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Galveston - Joint Meeting of the Wharves Board of Trustees and City Council - Jan 09, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Galveston County and appraisal district litigation over whether cruise-terminal property should be taxed is pending; port and city officials also reported an EPA reporting matter and said procurement policy questions will be handled separately.","taxTitle","Galveston , Galveston County, Texas","taxId",5145,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6678993,"Port and council plan master‑plan update as CT16 opens; trustees highlight dredging, west‑end cargo work and Pelican Island options",840,7500000,8340000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b&start=7500&end=8340","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b/thumbnail_7500000.jpg","/articles/6678993/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Port-and-council-plan-masterplan-update-as-CT16-opens-trustees-highlight-dredging-westend-cargo-work-and-Pelican-Island-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6678993-8945884dc8d7077309e888abc3021e43/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194287&Signature=n7S4-lXBsxMUZUEoi6o1Z~8Z7Ht87G89Emg0UaL4nO-gUw5AYPegCJ6woCsAqK5A64Giv8sdWE73lVBxY4aebDWjMc~cYku0HUZel00CStCQpxXHtuVWbKhBA36sTEJzkv0Hoohb2PLkjXizzT6ljO84S3kmFy23N3iJBp7exmuMAvCaa7doyqwZeTu5z0NxWe2IbJRYD5Zo8O0ccD8JiB659NXycaTYlbRkbGIrNW6YKxZYA~7zvoWjtVzLTLj2MoSWD26osKqioHqHEV3PL3tg0bc1N5JwEOoryMj7XKWuNJ0TtDhulk82nDRwT~I34MBlAzXfeOnUmf7nKkN18Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Port trustees told Galveston city council members they will begin a formal update of the Port of Galveston master plan in the first quarter to reassess cruise, cargo and real-estate priorities now that demand has exceeded earlier forecasts.

Trustees and port staff said Cruise Terminal 16 will materially increase passenger volumes and that port revenues from cruise operations have been used to fund west‑end cargo infrastructure. Trustees said the port is already investing heavily on the west end — a multi‑million‑dollar capital program — to diversify into cargo and to add slips and berths. The board said that work has advanced faster than anticipated in the 2019 master plan and that a master plan update is needed to allocate limited land to the highest‑value uses, balance cargo and public‑access uses and examine options for a commercial/recreational esplanade or other mixed uses on redevelopable dock land.

Dredging and maintenance funding: Port staff and trustees emphasized the nonfederal sponsor role the port holds for Army Corps dredging projects. Staff said the port has a long-term obligation to pay its nonfederal share of federal channel deepening and that maintenance dredging needs are rising; they noted that federal maintenance allocations vary and that securing regular dredge funding is critical to sustaining bigger vessels and larger cargo operations. Trustees said a turning-basin project and deeper channel work were on the list of major capital projects that will affect near-term finance planning.

Pelican Island and bridge timing: Port and city officials said Pelican Island development and the related bridge remain multi-year projects. Port staff said environmental permitting and state funding requests are in process; officials estimated multi-year timelines for permitting and construction and said TxDOT and regional entities are coordinating funding requests.

Why it matters: The master-plan update and the dredging agenda affect long‑range land use, jobs and tax-generation potential. Council members and trustees said a fresh, data-driven plan should inform joint decisions on future terminals, cargo expansion and potential public-facing uses of limited waterfront land.

Next steps: Trustees said they will begin a master‑plan update effort in Q1, coordinate with city staff, and present a status update at the April 24 joint meeting. Port staff invited council members to on-site visits to view west‑end capital work.","Trustees said work on the port’s west‑end cargo complex is well underway, that Cruise Terminal 16 will boost revenue, and that an updated port master plan is planned in Q1 to re-assess land use (including Pelican Island) and capacity limits; port staff flagged dredging and maintenance funding as ongoing priorities.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6678998,"Port to tighten procurement rules after trustees, council debate 'best value' and local preference",136,1141000,1277000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b&start=1141&end=1277","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b/thumbnail_1141000.jpg","/articles/6678998/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Port-to-tighten-procurement-rules-after-trustees-council-debate-best-value-and-local-preference","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6678998-1dd503418e378e16c15ae4d1b4fd5b81/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194287&Signature=i9rYTfzRcRwXJ2gJ~189-Pxdo~iFFPJNMBa7kawEqPH99r~qJl33p~IRd0boaOetTos7ka8r9E9L6iX89IjiP5bh6wYnxT1Eb7PlRlEknI-b8VSz~lMb5ZnbZQWS1KXVnhWtoHR6jEe1KkW32ODlOPCAV28r7J6VTrsdBm6FqKmVtHuY6wYzixoWkYGxwv-KIwUKDDMabLvHqBlYkFFJD8Mr77xvXFSBtSd4jUfctPn36Wu3tbeVnb4IibiT16DGpNVjv7Sp5IfNGBgH0j6ugBC9PjUpvMMep3w0Xu5jNu7v3qmpeB~CLOPQFh-p70jjt5K6Ltcd9Mr9uiforKLiNw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Trustees on the Port of Galveston said they will revisit procurement policy language after council members and trustees raised concerns that the term “best value” is ambiguous and can produce inconsistent results when comparing local and non‑local bidders.

Wharves finance committee chair Sheila (identified in the meeting) told trustees and council members that the port’s procurement policy currently uses the term “best value,” which can include non-price factors such as local hiring, continuity of operations, and past change‑order history. She said committee members had debated awarding a contract to a vendor judged to be better for the local economy despite a marginally higher bid, and that the committee voted on a selected bidder based on those broader criteria.

Trustees said they would bring a tightened procurement policy back in the first quarter to clarify how best value is defined, whether a local preference matrix or fixed percentage could be included, and how “lowest responsible bidder” criteria are documented. Members suggested using a pre-advertised scoring matrix so bidders understand up front how local participation, existing operations in Galveston County, workforce retention and change‑order history factor into evaluations.

Why it matters: Council members said clearer rules will reduce bid protests and litigation risk, improve transparency, and help local businesses compete. Trustees emphasized the need to preserve competitive procurement while also encouraging local participation where the differential is small.

Next steps: Port staff said they will draft proposed language and, where appropriate, a scoring matrix or amendment to the procurement policy and present that in Q1 for board consideration. The board’s finance committee and legal counsel will review proposed changes before implementation.","Trustees and council members flagged ambiguity in the wharves' procurement policy phrase “best value,” and the board said it will tighten policy language and consider an allowance or matrix to account for qualified local bidders.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":78,"_43":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6679002,"Port payments and a possible $1 million request: council, port direct staffs to craft long-term funding options",3600000,4440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b&start=3600&end=4440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b/thumbnail_3600000.jpg","/articles/6679002/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Port-payments-and-a-possible-1-million-request-council-port-direct-staffs-to-craft-long-term-funding-options","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6679002-a1211ad907f25fd09de55031f7be037c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194287&Signature=H729w2-vZdxeFz~LKXDZD6PXwaVt3TgEDJ1gUkmQfnSn~2Zrt3x-Uxy3K-jRK9-O0siN8E3kMLQH7NwMIlOSRHB1St8FM2vDMu6n5dBS~W-kVVlneszSeXGr00HstKOuH6uVJ5W5DjNDh1d8pg3mjEgSsyhIhFIbUyzWWg3F4bYNts7w2-mJDF71vhqCjKPeZ3xndweuCRU0GHL7eXri70qoWqqe5nbRgLdOEMvmQ~qbK6ZRk0DIjDxspuEP~COSM0yvmor6agEfK6ByXZrNSMbZeiB5Ksd4BDsVYCpLbYaDU4UXqGFYCh8yzdOElqsYuO8JGJW8KWfpSjCGHCFqwg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Galveston city council members and Port of Galveston trustees told staffs to prepare options for both a one-time payment and a long-term funding arrangement that would send money from port operations to the city.

The joint discussion summarized current flows: passenger fees and parking fees at cruise terminals generate city revenue (notably a $0.25 per passenger “turn” fee and a $1-per-day parking fee), and the port transmits sales-tax revenue generated by port activity. Trustees said the wharves expected to send roughly $3 million to the city in the current fiscal year (figure provided as of November), and that the port’s receipts are expected to grow significantly when Cruise Terminal 16 becomes operational.

One-time request and project focus: Council had earlier passed a motion directing the Wharves Board to consider a one-time payment; at the meeting trustees discussed a possible $1 million contribution that would be tied to a capital project that benefits both entities. Council members and trustees repeatedly emphasized they preferred directing any one-time payment toward a specified infrastructure project — council suggested the 14th Street pump station — rather than an unrestricted transfer.

Long-term structure and timeline: Rather than immediate legislative or charter changes, both bodies agreed staffs should explore options including a percentage-of-gross model, recurring project-based allocations, or other contractual mechanisms. Council and port staff were asked to meet and return a menu of options and project proposals at the next joint meeting, scheduled for April 24, 2025. Staff options should include financial comparisons and any implications for the port’s bond covenants or debt service.

Why it matters: The port’s growing cruise and cargo business is producing new unrestricted revenue flows that could fund city services or capital projects. Council members said they sought a predictable, legally defensible structure that balances city needs and the port’s capital program (trustees stressed existing port capital commitments and debt).

Next steps: Port and city management were instructed to convene staff working groups, identify candidate projects, and present multiple funding mechanisms — and staff will present those options at the April 24 joint meeting.","Council and Port trustees agreed to a staff-led review of short- and long-term funding options for payments from the Port of Galveston to the city, and asked for recommendations — including project-specific uses — to return at the April joint meeting.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6679004,"Galveston council presses Wharves trustees over missing annual reports, charter oversight",174,128000,302000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b&start=128&end=302","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2096004-fb9f7e60197582cc33765913e470e19b/thumbnail_128000.jpg","/articles/6679004/Galveston/Galveston-County/Texas/Galveston-council-presses-Wharves-trustees-over-missing-annual-reports-charter-oversight","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6679004-4a91440f9ffd2c61213e5043166ca157/orig.mp4?Expires=1771194287&Signature=ZqkcLuz~6DebgLXi6GC-U5N6zJhUyVr5HS6heQoZNX5-FXXbg~5G8wCjgf2aoVA7l0sO4pcVUmL4lieJvXebijVQLZtxzAgXwk0Qc-zIXBRNxk07sjsyZG6kXSnvSbQX47KguyiEfpcy0VF2oAtQEkkXM-wKiOfaAiCBC0z8t3mq1PHp4M1lljVwgqZ7~DRRRSUiPHKHdpwIkf6HCluwQWJeUUBjKPNK~2nwtzUuT50U5OWyodm~YY3BzJjHAOtLJNdA0IsqRX14Tt6wD24mvU8fppGJWrkbnc7IkHZK4TVs1dLALKENO2XLzPDv0sqmj5olVVjWhqrgqv2gY1lXxQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Galveston city council members asked the Port of Galveston trustees to restore charter-required reporting and records access, saying the city has not received the annual reports the charter requires since 2014.

Council members focused on two charter provisions they said limit the port’s autonomy and create accountability back to the city: the requirement that the wharves’ books, documents and minutes be open to inspection by council or an authorized representative, and an annual reporting requirement to be filed with the city secretary that details operations, gross receipts and operating expenses. Council members said they found no report on file at the city secretary stemming from the wharves since 2014.

The gap prompted council members to request immediate follow-up. Council members said the charter also requires that the city may demand additional information “at any time” to understand the physical and financial condition of the wharves. One council member told trustees the absence of current filings impedes that oversight and urged port staff and city staff to “get that rectified.”

Why it matters: The wharves operate with statutory independence in some areas, and trustees said long-standing practice gave the port operational autonomy (including not having its budget approved by council). At the same time, the charter explicitly preserves council’s right to inspect records and receive an annual audit and report. Council members said restoring the reports would make it easier to review port finances tied to payments and development projects, and would reduce ad hoc requests for information.

What council asked for and next steps: Council members asked port leadership and city staff to locate and file the missing documents and to set a process for routine delivery of the wharves’ annual report and certified audit copies to the city secretary. Port trustees said staff will work with the city to correct records going forward. Council members also noted that bonds issued by the wharves require a supermajority vote when the council must approve bond issues per the charter’s voting rules.

Context and background: Speakers at the meeting reviewed charter language that says the wharves’ books “shall be at all reasonable times open to inspection by the council or its authorized representative” and that an annual audit and an annual report “shall be filed with the city secretary as a public record.” Trustees and council members traded historical context going back decades about how payments between the port and city have been handled and how the charter’s language was developed.

Ending: Council members said they will follow up with port staff and the city attorney to ensure the charter provisions are enforced and that required reports become part of a routine information flow to the city secretary so council may perform its charter duties.","City council members raised concerns that the Port of Galveston (the Wharves) has not filed charter-required annual reports with the city secretary since 2014 and asked staff to restore routine transparency under charter Sections cited by council.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

County sues over cruise‑terminal taxes; EPA and procurement issues also on joint workshop agenda

Port and council plan master‑plan update as CT16 opens; trustees highlight dredging, west‑end cargo work and Pelican Island options

Port to tighten procurement rules after trustees, council debate 'best value' and local preference

Port payments and a possible $1 million request: council, port direct staffs to craft long-term funding options

Galveston council presses Wharves trustees over missing annual reports, charter oversight