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Director reports mixed economic indicators, tourism and program updates
Summary
Executive Director Darla reported lower sales and occupancy tax receipts for March, issues with two hoteliers' unpaid taxes now being addressed, low building permits, updates on the Birding Nature Center and Art Business Incubator fundraiser, and the upcoming Sand Dollars grant schedule.
Executive Director Darla presented an activity report summarizing local economic indicators, program notes and forthcoming grant and event schedules.
She reported March sales tax was down 3.8% and occupancy tax was down 10.75%, noting that timing of Easter can affect monthly comparisons. Darla said two hoteliers had not paid occupancy taxes earlier in the year — a delinquency that totaled nearly $1 million across properties — but that at least one had arranged payments. "There were 2 hoteliers that have not paid their taxes all year and it was almost a million dollars," she said, adding staff will reconcile those receipts and adjust month comparisons accordingly.
Building-permit receipts were notably low for April; Darla said the total permit value was $1,031,260, the lowest since the COVID period and comprised largely of reroofing work rather than new construction. She also provided updates for the Birding Nature Center (admissions down in April but heavy field-trip activity planned for May) and the Art Business Incubator (ABI). Darla and board members praised the recent ABI fundraiser; she said donated food and volunteer support produced a positive first-year event that raised roughly $6,000 and that organizers plan improvements for next year.
On programming, Darla said the Sand Dollars grant application will open in June, with presentations expected in August or September after a UTRGV Small Business Development Center class required for applicants. She asked the board whether to cancel or reschedule the June meeting because she will be out of town; the board indicated the June meeting may be canceled and reconvened in July if no pressing agenda items appear. Darla said she had budgeted $200,000 this year toward the marina effort to cover the county portion previously committed.
No board action was required on the activity report; members asked staff to invite the Birding Nature Center manager to future meetings to discuss lower admissions and recovery plans.
