Kerr County court approves resolution to pursue venue tax, hears $4–5M repair list for Hill Country Youth Event Center

Kerr County commissioners on Monday unanimously approved a resolution authorizing the planning, acquisition, establishment, renovation and construction of the Hill Country Youth Event Center as a venue project and to pursue an election on a venue tax dedicated to that facility.

The vote followed a presentation on the indoor arena and Ag Barn improvements that included a prioritized list of needs — an electrical service upgrade, a fire suppression system, removal of dirt and installation of a concrete floor, lighting and ventilation upgrades, door and wall repairs, and new toilets and wash-down areas — with cost estimates ranging from tens of thousands up to several million dollars.

The venue-tax resolution matters because, as presenters and several commissioners stressed, any tax proceeds approved by voters would be dedicated to the event center rather than to the county general fund. “The venue tax is dedicated to the venue,” Commissioner Jones said during the discussion, stressing that the plan would keep funds tied to the facility.

Presenter Charles Paces reviewed work completed to date — a roof replacement paid largely…