Aransas Pass council orders audit of hotel‑occupancy tax funds awarded to Chamber and Visitor Center

The Aransas Pass City Council voted to request a third‑party audit of hotel‑occupancy‑tax (HOT) funds awarded to the Aransas Pass Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center after several council members said they lacked receipts and transaction detail.

"Transparency creates trust," Councilmember (Speaker 4) said during a lengthy discussion about the chamber's records and prior requests. Councilmember 4 moved to request an audit; the motion was seconded and carried.

Joe Dominguez, identified on the record as chairman of the Aransas Pass Chamber board, told the council that the chamber had submitted reports the previous week. "All the reports were submitted last week for the audit," he said, asking the council to clarify what additional detail they needed.

Councilmembers pressed for receipts and transaction‑level documentation. City counsel and staff cited the Texas Tax Code provision governing municipal oversight of HOT recipients (cited in the meeting as Section 351.01, subsection d), and noted that the city's agreement with the chamber incorporates the requirement to make records available for inspection.

The council approved an initial motion to request the audit and later directed the city manager to bring back a contract (staff recommended an RFQ process) and a specific option with Brenda McElwee, who conducts the city's audits. Councilmembers agreed that a third‑party review should examine receipts, bank statements and the impact of events on lodging revenue.

Supporters of the audit said it is a standard checks‑and‑balances step for public funds. Opponents warned about the perception of mistrust and urged the council to work collaboratively; several residents and chamber representatives said events do fill local hotels and generate tourism revenue. The council approved the audit request and a direction to return with procurement options.