Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cultural Funding topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves $50,000 hot‑funds allocation to LULAC Hispanic Heritage group; one abstention
Summary
The Odessa City Council approved a $50,000 out‑of‑cycle allocation from city funds to LULAC Hispanic Heritage for two events (Cinco de Mayo and another spring event), despite staff saying the request was out of the normal application cycle; one councilmember abstained due to a conflict of interest.
The Odessa City Council voted April 22 to grant $50,000 from city funds to LULAC Hispanic Heritage for two upcoming cultural events, approving an out‑of‑cycle request after debate over processes and prior awards.
Carol (identified at the meeting by first name only) and representatives from LULAC told the council they had already submitted paperwork to the city manager and described their longstanding history of staging cultural events and bringing performers from other Texas cities and Mexico. They asked for $50,000 to support Cinco de Mayo and a second spring event; a later Dia de los Muertos request will be submitted in the normal cycle.
City staff and councilmembers noted the request was out of the normal hot‑funds application window (applications for next fiscal year are due May 16) and that historically the City Council has funded arts and culture through a 15% allocation managed in part by the local arts council. Several councilmembers said the award would be an out‑of‑cycle exception but not unlawful; staff said there is no city statute prohibiting out‑of‑cycle awards if the council chooses to do so.
A councilmember told the meeting they had a conflict of interest and would abstain from the vote. The council then approved the $50,000 award; the motion was made by Councilman Stoker and seconded by Councilman Mitchell. The council recorded the action as approved with one abstention.
Ending: LULAC Hispanic Heritage will receive $50,000 from city funds for two upcoming events; staff noted the group should apply during next year’s normal hot‑funds cycle for future funding and to work with the city’s arts council on potential coordination.
