Aransas Pass Chamber requests public safety measures for upcoming festival

The City Council of Aransas Pass, Texas, convened on April 7, 2025, to address several key issues, including public safety funding and event planning. The meeting began with discussions surrounding the staffing levels of the police department, particularly in relation to upcoming events. Concerns were raised about the current number of officers available, with Assistant Chief Jones indicating that staffing has decreased since previous years. The council noted that during major events, such as concerts on Friday and Saturday nights, the city typically deploys two officers per intersection, but this has been reduced to a single officer per intersection for efficiency.

The council also discussed the financial implications of public safety during events. It was clarified that the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce directly pays for security services, which typically costs between $29,000 and $30,000, although actual expenses may reach up to $47,000. The city utilizes hotel occupancy tax (HOT) funds to cover these costs, which are deemed appropriate for festival-related expenditures.

Following this, the council unanimously approved a request from the Chamber of Commerce to use Community Park and temporarily close certain streets for an upcoming event scheduled from October 17 to October 19, 2025. This decision was made to ensure the safety of both attendees and local business owners.

The meeting also included a proposal for a fireworks show as part of the city's annual Independence Day celebration. Concerns were raised regarding the potential fire hazards associated with fireworks, especially given the current drought conditions. Charlie Ochoa from Western Enterprises, the company contracted for the fireworks display, assured the council that safety assessments would be conducted prior to the event.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the Aransas Pass police department in maintaining adequate staffing levels for public safety during events, as well as the financial management of event-related security costs. The council's decisions reflect a commitment to balancing community events with safety considerations. Further discussions on the fireworks show will continue as the event date approaches.