Court backs state project-financing zone for Expo, approves architect and surveying contracts

Washington County Commissioners Court on Feb. 18 approved a resolution expressing support for creating a state project financing zone (PFZ) that would let the county dedicate the state portion of hotel occupancy tax revenues to projects at the Washington County Expo site if the legislature authorizes the mechanism.

Mister Williams explained that the financing zone — if enacted by the Texas Legislature and championed locally by Representative Wharton — would allow the county to use only the state portion of hotel occupancy tax receipts for designated projects at the Expo. Williams said a conservative local estimate of annual revenue available for the zone is about $600,000; the funds could be used either for direct projects or to secure debt service, and state law currently limits the period to a maximum of 30 years.

Commissioners discussed the timeline and next steps; staff said Representative Wharton had requested the resolution quickly and that county staff and local hoteliers support pursuing the legislative request. Williams cited other jurisdictions that used similar authority to finance large projects without raising property taxes.

Following passage of the resolution, commissioners approved two professional services agreements related to Expo planning: an agreement with Plan North Architects for engineering, architectural and site planning services that will cover multiple parcels around the Expo site, and an agreement with HODI land surveying for site surveying and drainage analysis. County officials said the broader planning approach is intended to reduce piecemeal work, streamline drainage planning, and help coordinate parking and building placement across adjacent properties.

All motions were made, seconded and passed by voice vote.