Aransas Pass approves hotel-occupancy tax awards for local festivals, raises Saltwater Mardi Gras grant to $6,500

Aransas Pass — The Aransas Pass City Council on April 20, 2025, approved hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) grants for multiple local events and organizations, including an amended $6,500 award to Destination Aransas Pass for the Saltwater Mardi Gras.

The HOT fund balance available for awards was reported at $288,011. City staff said awards must be limited to activities that promote tourism, per Texas law and guidance the city used to review applications.

City staff member Mary, who presented the applications, told the council that seven applications were received by the March 31 deadline and that applications were reviewed for eligibility with guidance from an attorney with the Texas Hotel and Lodging Association. “The balance that we have available to award is $288,011,” Mary said.

The council voted on each application…