Rio Grande City EDC reports strong sales-tax growth, selects engineering firm and hears small-business updates
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Summary
At its meeting the EDC reported month-over-month sales-tax growth tied to December 2025 receipts, approved authorization to negotiate with Rio Delta Engineering for International Drive work, postponed a small-business check presentation, and heard a local event-center applicant describe a planned community venue.
The Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation heard a financial report showing positive sales-tax growth, authorized staff to negotiate with the top-ranked engineering firm for the International Drive ADA project, and received presentations from local business owners about incentive applications.
Financials: An EDC staff speaker reported that the city’s sales-tax collections for the relevant month (December 2025 receipts reported in the February packet) totaled about $611,000, a roughly 12.33% increase over the same month last year. Year-to-date sales-tax revenue was reported at $758,124, about 36% of the fiscal-year budget; the EDC’s monthly allocation was listed at $199,382. The report noted year-to-date expenditures of $288,701 (about 14% of the approved $2,081,096 budget).
Engineering procurement: Staff summarized an RFQ process for engineering services on the International Drive project (RFQ ID Z00009113). Three firms submitted qualifications; staff reported that Rio Delta Engineering ranked highest and recommended authorization to negotiate and execute a professional services agreement, with authority to terminate negotiations and move to the next-ranked firm if needed. The board approved the evaluation and authorized staff to enter negotiations by voice vote.
Small-business and community presentations: A scheduled small-business check presentation for Jesse’s Catering was postponed because the recipient is recovering from a medical procedure. Tanya Hernandez of Vonetto Cool Events presented an application for an event center with a pool, pool bar and community access during weekdays; she said completion of remaining work and parking is expected around April–May and that she has applied for TABC permits for alcohol sales. Board members asked about staffing, food service limitations and program eligibility.
Executive director report and outreach: The executive director described ongoing outreach — workforce partnerships, business retention visits, Main Street tourism initiatives, downtown beautification and an upcoming job fair on Tuesday, March 3 at the SDC building offering mock interviews, headshots and other services.
The meeting closed with announcements and adjourned at about 07:52.
