Board debates staffing and capacity for larger events; members urge restoration of project coordinator role

Summary

Board members argued about the CVB’s staffing and ability to launch and sustain larger events, with some advocating restoring a project coordinator position and others saying current staff can execute with support. The board asked staff to explore the staffing question and return with recommendations.

Board members at the Laredo CVB advisory committee meeting (date not specified) debated whether current staff capacity supports the creation and growth of larger, recurring festivals and promotional efforts.

Several members said the CVB needs an additional staff position — specifically a project coordinator — to seed and staff new events and to sustain outreach. One board member urged restoring the project coordinator role and said the office’s current staffing model places heavy burdens on a small team.

Others disputed the scope and said staff have executed successful projects in the past, but the discussion included repeated requests that staff map workload and return with a proposal. The board asked staff to draft a recommendation and to place a staffing request on a future agenda so the city manager and council can review potential changes.

The discussion was recorded as direction to staff rather than a formal vote to change staffing levels. Staff and board members agreed to follow up with a packet item that clarifies responsibilities, funding sources and whether a restored project coordinator position would require council action.