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EDC executive director reports lower tax revenues and updates on birding center, art incubator and events
Summary
Executive Director Darla reported February sales and occupancy tax declines, highlighted Birding and Nature Center programs funded by H-E-B and upcoming events, and reviewed art incubator activity and sponsorship plans; staff will prepare budget materials for the next meeting.
Darla, the executive director, presented the EDC activity report, telling the board that several economic indicators were down for February compared with 2024 and outlining recent and upcoming projects at the Birding and Nature Center and the EDC’s art incubator.
Darla reported sales tax receipts were down 10.43% for February compared with February 2024, and occupancy tax receipts were down 12.54% for February 2025 compared with 2024. She said property tax collections for February totaled $742,578 and that building permits for March totaled $2,898,574; the permit total included two single-family homes on West Wesash and a fourplex on East Corlea.
On programming, Darla summarized recent activity at the South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center. The center received an H-E-B grant to underwrite fifth-grade wetlands ecology field trips; the grant covers bus costs and field-trip materials for elementary students. The center is also planning a fundraiser on April 25 and a celebration for “Big Padre’s” birthday on May 10. Darla said staff recently helped with the rescue of an alligator that had been injured.
Darla updated the board on the art business incubator, which has onboarded two painters and is seeking two or three additional artists. The incubator will host a fundraising event called “Aura” on April 26; Darla said event tickets were $100 and the event will pair artists with restaurants and include live demonstrations.
Darla also reviewed sponsorships the EDC planned to support, including Shallowes Fort and TIFT, and noted staff would consider sponsorship of local fishing tournaments such as LKT at the board’s direction. She reminded the board the midyear budget report (compiled by city staff) is available and that the EDC needs to finalize its budget calendar; she said she will seek a budget presentation date to city council that fits the EDC’s schedule.
Board members asked clarifying questions and Darla said staff would return with budget materials and any follow-up items at the next meeting.
