Bandera council approves $59,240 in holiday displays, citing expected EDC reimbursement

The City of Bandera City Council voted Oct. 22 to purchase a 26-foot commercial-grade Christmas tree for $32,460 and a 50-foot drive-through “Tunnel of Lights” for $26,780 for a planned Country Christmas in the Park event. The purchases, which total $59,240, will be paid from the city’s general fund and the council directed staff to create a dedicated event line item for donations and future carryforward.

Council member (Speaker 7) made the motion to approve both purchases and a budget structure to track incoming donations and reimbursements; the motion was seconded by (Speaker 8) and, after discussion, the chair (Speaker 1) called the vote and members present voted in favor. No detailed roll-call tally was recorded in the meeting transcript.

City staff told council the Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has approved $60,000 for the project but that the EDC’s process requires publishing a notice and waiting 60 days for potential petitions and public hearings before funds may be released. EDC counsel (Speaker 11) warned that the earliest the city would see payment is likely after the 60-day period and the council discussed the risk that the city could temporarily front costs if the EDC check is delayed or a petition is filed.

Speakers at the meeting urged a range of approaches. Some council members and committee members said the full display would attract visitors and could become revenue-generating through sponsorships or paid drive-throughs; one committee member noted $5,000 in commitments already received and additional sponsors being solicited. Several council members and at least one resident urged caution given timing and budget constraints, suggesting phasing the project (tree now, tunnel later) or fundraising first.

During the discussion, the council and staff also discussed budget mechanics: whether the purchase could be covered by council contingency or require a formal budget amendment, and how donated funds should be handled so that reimbursements are first applied to general-fund outlays and any surplus could seed future event dollars.

Next steps: staff was directed to establish the event line item, proceed with ordering the displays given the council approval, and manage accounting so that EDC reimbursement or private donations reimburse the general fund when funds are available. The EDC’s 60-day public-notice window remains a contingency on funding timing.

Quote: “They approved [the funding],” EDC counsel said, but cautioned about the required notice and 60-day waiting period before checks will be cut (Speaker 11).