Cameron County judge asks Brownsville ISD to consider backing 2% venue tax for proposed multiuse arena

Cameron County Judge Trevino urged the Brownsville ISD Board of Trustees Facility Committee on Feb. 10 to consider supporting a county ballot measure that would dedicate a 2% venue (hotel occupancy/short‑term rental) tax toward a proposed air‑conditioned, multiuse arena in North Brownsville.

Trevino told the committee the county has already authorized a resolution to place venue‑tax funding for the arena before voters and that the tax would be paid only by hotel and short‑term‑rental guests, not by property owners. He said county leaders will send a proposed letter of support or resolution to the school board for its consideration, and that the district would have the opportunity to act at a later meeting.

The venue tax is a two‑percent hotel occupancy charge approved by Cameron County voters in 2016 for tourism‑related projects, Trevino said. He described the tax as restricted by state law to voter‑approved projects and said the…