Ronces Pass City Council secures $15K grant for free swim lessons program

The Aransas Pass City Council convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss several key community initiatives and budgetary matters. The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a series of announcements highlighting important local events.

One of the most significant announcements was the receipt of a $15,000 grant from Phillips 66 for the Aransas Pass Aquatic Center. This funding will enable the center to offer free swim lessons to second-grade students in the Aransas Pass Independent School District, with potential expansion to third graders. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned for May 19 to celebrate this initiative.

The council also announced an upcoming tire recycling event scheduled for May 6, from 9 AM to 1 PM, aimed at promoting environmental sustainability within the community. Additionally, a special council meeting will be held on May 13 to canvas the election results.

During the citizen comments segment, Hector Rios expressed gratitude to outgoing council members for their service, emphasizing the value of their time and dedication to the community.

In the meeting's action items, the council discussed budget amendments related to fire safety equipment. The council proposed using accrued interest from previous certificates of obligation to fund the purchase of a fire engine, a brush truck, and new bunker gear, totaling over $1.4 million. However, a motion was made to table the decision until the new council is sworn in, which was met with mixed responses. Ultimately, the council voted to approve the budget amendment.

Another significant item was the proposed amendment to the city code regarding development services fees. The council considered removing the base fee for variances and conditional use permits, replacing it with a flat fee of $200 each, aimed at simplifying the fee structure for developers.

The meeting concluded with a focus on these initiatives, reflecting the council's commitment to enhancing community services and infrastructure. The next steps will involve the implementation of the approved budget amendments and the upcoming events aimed at engaging the community.