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Residents and directors press board over AMP grant notice and last-minute tournament funding
Summary
Board members and residents raised fairness concerns after AMP funding was described as paused for 2026 but a late request tied to a fishing tournament was funded; staff said 2026 applications were paused to rebuild fund balance and new allocations will be made in 2027.
Board members and an attendee pressed city officials on May 4 over how AMP (Advertising and Promotion Commission) grant notifications were handled after some applicants were told there would be no funding for 2026 while a last‑minute request for a fishing tournament received a $15,000 payout.
Director Harris raised the issue, describing a photo of a patrol and asking separate questions about notification and fairness. He said constituents believed there had been no funding for 2026 but noted a recent request tied to a fishing tournament that had expected $30,000 from hotel occupancy tax on the Texas side; when the tournament moved to Arkansas, the Texas side reduced its commitment to $15,000 and the AMP commission approved the remaining $15,000.
City staff explained the AMP commissioners had paused awarding new 2026 grants to restore the commission’s fund balance but allowed applicants with existing allocations to use leftover funds. Staff said they had communicated with the applicant whose submission was incomplete and that applications will be solicited for allocations to be distributed in 2027; the city has already approved a one‑time exception to support the fishing tournament because of last‑minute changes.
Board members urged clearer communication to applicants to avoid perceptions of favoritism; one commissioner said the pause was intended as a one‑year catch‑up to stabilize the fund. The board scheduled AMP business and reminded applicants that the commission will accept new requests for consideration leading to allocations in 2027.
