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Commissioners table adding Bailey Ranch ecotourism site to Aransas Pathways pending legal review
Summary
A proposal to recognize the recently acquired Copenot Cove/Bailey Ranch property as an Aransas Pathways ecotourism venue was tabled. Commissioners asked whether venue‑tax funds or remaining bond/tax proceeds may be used for maintenance and directed staff to obtain a legal opinion before proceeding.
The court faced a motion to recognize the recently purchased Copenot Cove/Bailey Ranch property as an Aransas Pathways ecotourism site, but commissioners tabled the proposal while seeking a legal opinion on whether venue‑tax or bond funds may be used for maintenance or new project work.
County staff referenced the ballot language approved by voters on May 14, 2011, noting the venue tax was authorized for acquisition, planning, design, development, renovation or construction of facilities along inland waterways in the county. Commissioners asked whether the venue tax could be used for maintenance or for a newly added Pathways venue that was not explicitly listed on the original election materials.
One commissioner proposed sending the matter to County Attorney Marsha Perez for a formal opinion on funding authority and to identify whether venue tax funds or remaining bond proceeds could be applied. The mover amended the motion and the court voted unanimously to table the recognition until the legal review is completed and returned to the court.
No funding decision was made while the item is tabled; commissioners said staff should provide relevant documents and the ballot language to counsel for review.
