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Lampasas council hears request for HOT funds to launch ranch-horse event series
Summary
TUPE Ranch Productions asked the Lampasas City Council for $10,000 in hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) funds to support a series of ranch-horse versatility shows and multi-day clinics expected to draw out-of-area riders; council members questioned the full amount and proposed smaller startup awards.
TUPE Ranch Productions requested $10,000 in hotel-occupancy-tax (HOT) funds to support a new ranch-horse versatility show and related clinics the company plans to stage in Lampasas this year.
Melanie Bay, who identified herself as one of the event organizers, told the council the first show is scheduled for Feb. 14 and the organizer expects about 105 riders. “We are drawing riders from all over the state and even out of state,” Bay said, and added the group plans marketing, videography and clinician fees to bring national-level instructors to Lampasas.
Bay cited clinician fees as a significant expense and said, “Just for us to bring her in alone is going to cost us about $5,000,” referring to one named clinician the organizers had contacted. Organizers said the events would encourage overnight stays by scheduling early starts and offering hotel discounts and that they were seeking support to promote Lampasas as a destination.
Council members pressed for more evidence that the events will generate hotel nights and for a smaller startup allocation. Multiple council members compared the request to historical HOT allocations for larger, established events and suggested phased or reduced awards for a new event. Staff reminded the council HOT funds are intended to help new events get off the ground and that event organizers are asked to submit post-event reports documenting lodging and local economic impact.
A motion was made on the floor to split an award into two $1,500 payments (one for the Feb. event and one for a September event). The transcript does not record a clear vote tally or final outcome for that motion; the record shows the motion on the floor and respondents saying “All in favor? No.” The council and organizers continued discussion after the motion was proposed but the transcript does not capture a definitive approval or denial on the $10,000 request.
