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Council approves 2025–26 South Padre Island EDC budget totaling $1.37 million
Summary
The South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation’s 2025–26 budget was approved unanimously by the City Council after the EDC Board had approved it May 20; the budget keeps prior project funding levels and designates funds for bonds, sand-dollars grants and marine projects.
The South Padre Island City Council on June 18 approved the 2025–26 annual budget for the South Padre Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC), following unanimous EDC Board approval on May 20.
Darla LePair, executive director of the EDC, presented the budget and said total revenue is projected at $1,372,950, slightly lower than the prior year’s figure. Administrative, operating and bond payments total $729,361; the bond payment amount shown is $401,850 and the bond is scheduled to be paid off in 2028 (three years remaining).
The EDC’s program-of-work line items remain similar to last year: Kauffman entrepreneurship course; the Sand Dollars for Success program at $105,000; an artificial-reef contribution of $50,000 to Friends of RGB Reef; an Art Business Incubator at $30,000; facade-improvement grants at $50,000; Fishing’s Future grants at $25,000; and a $200,000 reserve for a Marine Park project.
LePair said the EDC has six current applicants for Sand Dollars for Success, mostly existing businesses, and noted a new restaurant (Isla Baye, in the former BurgerFi location) is applying. She also said the EDC may explore a Quality of Life grant program for parks, adapted from a Brownsville model.
A council member moved to approve the budget; the council voted and the motion passed by voice vote.
The EDC director said the budget maintains previous program levels while setting aside reserves for the bond payment and the Marine Park effort; council discussion included no substantive changes to the proposed allocations.
Notes: the EDC budget will be incorporated into the city’s overall budgeting process and reported in upcoming budget hearings.
