Bandera council approves up to $8,500 to bring Longhorns to Labor Day parade

The City of Bandera council voted to approve up to $8,500 in hot-tax monies to bring Longhorn cattle for the Labor Day parade, a request presented as coming from Lisa Kelman of the Bandera Pro Rodeo Association. A presenter explained that the rodeo group handles logistics and housing but historically has not funded the animals; earlier EDC approval was rescinded after a board change, leaving a funding gap.

Council members reviewed staff budget pages showing current hot-tax receipts and discussed whether to use the city’s reserved portion now or wait until September, when additional receipts are expected. A council member moved and the council seconded a motion to fund the request “up to $8,500” from hot-tax monies; the chair called the vote and announced the motion approved with no opposition recorded on the transcript. A staff member noted the fund had $19,301 in current receipts and reminded the council that awards are based on monies available at the time.

The requester told council that local Longhorns were not available and that animals have been transported from the Fort Worth area in recent years, which raised costs. The council’s approved funding covers transportation and procurement expenses up to the stated cap. The council did not record a named roll-call tally in the transcript; the chair announced the outcome as approved. The item was processed under agenda item D.