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Wimberley approves hotel-occupancy-tax grant up to $4,000 to fund shuttle for April 26 events
Summary
The council approved a Hotel Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee recommendation to fund shuttle service on April 26, 2025, to connect events including the pie social and Arts Fest; funding was capped at $4,000 and hours proposed were 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Wimberley City Council voted unanimously April 3 to approve a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) grant of up to $4,000 to fund shuttle service during downtown events on April 26, 2025.
Michelle Woods, the city’s tourism director, told the council the grant would fund a continuous-loop shuttle to connect five stops: 7A Ranch, the Wimberley Community Center (pie social), downtown Wimberley, Waters Point (Arts Fest), and the Wimberley Inn. The HOT Advisory Committee recommended funding after suggesting additional in-town stops and using the day as a test run for weekend service. Woods said the initial proposed budget was $1,500 but council discussion led to increasing the approved amount to not exceed $4,000 to accommodate an additional vehicle if needed.
Woods said the proposed operating hours were 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; council members discussed extending service past 6 p.m. to ensure attendees can return from Waters Point and 7A Ranch. Council members also suggested coordinating additional off-site parking, including potential arrangements near the Old Baptist Church, to create park-and-ride options.
The council motion capped the HOT grant at $4,000 and passed by unanimous voice vote. The tourism director and HOT committee will manage signage, a route map, and limited marketing ahead of the event. The council did not adopt a detailed operating contract at the meeting; staff will finalize logistics with the shuttle operator and the grant recipient.
The action is intended to reduce downtown parking congestion during a day with multiple events and to encourage visitors to travel between venues.
