Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Rosenberg council approves interlocal to back county-led hotel and convention center near Epicenter
Summary
City council authorized an interlocal agreement allowing Fort Bend County to proceed with a proposed $236 million full-service hotel and 70,000 sq. ft. convention center adjacent to the Fort Bend Epicenter, committing the city's hotel-occupancy tax from that single hotel for 30 years and approving staff-directed language clarifications and in-kind benefits.
Rosenberg’s city council on a unanimous voice vote approved a resolution authorizing the mayor to enter an interlocal agreement with Fort Bend County to develop a full-service hotel and a 70,000-square-foot convention center adjacent to the Fort Bend Epicenter.
The project, presented to council as a county-led development with private financing for the remaining cost, carries an estimated total price tag of about $236 million. County financing would cover roughly 72% (about $170 million), state contributions were estimated at roughly $11.8 million, and the city’s role is to commit the hotel-occupancy (hotel-motel) tax generated by that single hotel for 30 years to the project, staff said.
Miss Culver, who presented the agreement, told the council the county requested Rosenberg’s participation so the project could access state funds available under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351, Subchapter C. “The county will be financing the majority of the project,” she said, adding the county expects to use future ad valorem and hotel occupancy revenues to service most debt.
Why it matters: Council members said the deal could draw more entertainment and hospitality activity to Rosenberg and spur nearby private investment. A county representative and commissioners present described the site as a key regional location that could attract operators and talent that currently bypass the area.
Council members pressed staff on protections and specifics. City Attorney Brandon Morris said contract language includes indemnities to protect the city if the state later requires a clawback of rebates. “We’ve got full protection for the city,” he said. Staff also clarified that Rosenberg would retain 100% of its city sales tax and property-tax proceeds from the hotel; the only thing the city would provide under the agreement is the hotel-occupancy tax generated by that single new hotel.
Council debate touched on parking, event traffic and community benefits. The agreement grants the city limited complimentary uses of the venue (city use of the conference center for three events plus club-level tickets and parking), which the mayor asked staff to expand; the city secured an increase to 20 club-level tickets and matching parking spots in the redlined draft the council reviewed.
Councilmember Hector moved to approve the resolution with the redlined language explaining ticketing and parking; Councilmember Jessica seconded the motion. The council voted in favor and the resolution passed.
Next steps: Staff said the interlocal will be placed on the county commissioner’s court agenda for final county approval and the county expects to take that item up promptly.
