Aransas Pass council approves audit of HOT allocations and moves to annual application period

The council approved an agreement with Brenda McElwee, PC, to provide auditing services for hotel‑occupancy‑tax (HOT) funds awarded to the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for 2023 and 2024. The contract is structured at an hourly rate of $300 with estimated total fees not to exceed $15,000.

During the item, a public commenter, Christy Langley, said she had sought books from the chamber and alleged those records were denied; staff advised the commenter how to get on a future agenda or to follow up with appropriate staff and encouraged a post‑meeting discussion to route the inquiry to the right department.

Separately, the council considered and approved a resolution revising the HOT guidelines so applications are accepted annually rather than every odd-numbered year. Staff described a Jan. 1–Mar. 31 application window as the budgeting period while reserving council discretion to consider requests received outside the window if funds remain available. Councilors discussed fairness, the ability to hold funds to create a larger two‑year pool for major events, and requirements for receipts and post‑event reports; staff said receipts and post‑event reporting will be required going forward.