By Michael Robinson | Uvalde Hesperian

06-10-25

 Uvalde County resident Helen Burgin spoke at Monday’s Uvalde County Commissioners Court claiming the Texas Hill Country River Region (the THCRR) had not followed a number of state laws including not notifying the IRS when the non-profit organization changed its bylaws.

The THCRR is contracted by the County to administer the HOT Taxes the County receives.

 Burgin also stated the 4% THCRR collected from the county’s lodge owners can only be used for advertising purposes and not to fund event expenses. According to Uvalde County Judge Bill Mitchell, the State of Texas levies a 6% tax collected by lodge owners and the County receives 4% which totals 10% tax on lodging patrons. Burgin also stated the County can approve 1% of the county’s portion of the tax to be returned to the various lodges in consideration for collecting the HOT Tax for the County.

 THCRR Executive Director Hailey Conrad and THCRR Board President Jaime Holmes spoke following Burgin’s presentation,

 Conrad addressed the Bylaws and mentioned last year when the bylaws were changed they notified everyone by email and consulted with the THCRR attorney, Conrad went on to say that the HOT Tax is not a burden on lodge owners and if the County;s HOT Tax revenue was cut, the river clean-up efforts and many other things would grind to a halt.

New Solar Eclipse Coordinator Position

 Texas Hill Country River Region President Jamie Holmes spoke to the Uvalde Commissioner’s Court on a budget request for Hotel/Motel tax changes and proposed staffing concept.

Holmes addressed the Court requesting they approve a proposed staffing change which will give THCRR the ability to create a new Solar Eclipse Coordinator Position to lead the organization’s preparations for the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse which will occur on Monday, April 8th. She stated THCRR has $400,000 budgeted specifically for eclipse preparations. The total solar eclipse is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Uvalde County. 

 She said that while the new Eclipse Coordinator position would initially be created to help Uvalde County and the City of Uvalde prepare for the total solar eclipse event, the coordinator’s duties could extend to help coordinate other events in the county.

Drought and Summer Tourism

“We’re projecting a 15% drop in completions. It’s been a hard time for our guests,” she said referring to the drought conditions affecting tourism and hotel motel occupancy. 

She also stated that river clean-up has been a priority for THCRR.  She also told the court that she believes the THCRR Director’s Position has been filled. 

Tax Code Change Request 

Holmes also asked that the Court submit a request to the State of Texas for a tax code change which would enable THCRR to use HOT Tax monies to pay for needed security in problem areas at some of the County’s river crossings.  The proposed change would also allow for a permit system which would enable the County to charge a fee to pay for needed security for certain events. 

The Commissions voted to approve the proposed budget, the new Eclipse Coordinator Position and the petition to the State of Texas for the Tax Code changes.

 Uvalde Chamber of Commerce Director John Yeackle spoke at Thursday’s Uvalde Rotary Club Meeting at the Uvalde Country Club discussing the many new changes the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce has implemented and the news plans it has to to provide new economic activity and tourism opportunities not only for Uvalde, but for Concan as well.

  Since City of Uvalde voted to contract with the Uvalde Area Chamber of Commerce the authority to manage a portion of the Hotel and Motel Tax Monies generated by lodges, hotels and motels within the City of Uvalde earlier this year,  the Chamber of Commerce has gone into high gear making changes including not only moving its downtown offices back from North Getty to the Uvalde Convention and Visitors building located at 300 West Main Street near the Ssgt. Willie de Leon Civic Center.

  “So basically the Chamber has about just shy of a 90 day run in our new role as a visitors center slash the Chamber of Commerce.” Yeackle said.

  Since that time, the chamber has renovated the front of its new office location adding a mini history room where an office was once located.  Yeackle stated that when a person enters the front door of the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau, that person will immediately see and be greeted by a receptionist.

  “It was very important to me that we move someone out into that lobby space, so that when you walk in you are immediately greeted by someone who interacted with you. As a visitor that’s your first experience to our community,” Yeackle said.

  The Chamber has also recently added two new employees to its staff: Olga Charles and Adam Ocasio to its team.

Conference Bike

  Yeackle also talked about the new green conference bike that was donated to the Chamber of Commerce. According to Adam Ocasio and Olga Charles, the driver of the Conference Bike sits in the middle and can accommodate 6 passengers who sit around the driver. One of the chamber’s plans is to provide tours to the murals around the Uvalde Downtown Area.

“We are now meeting with the Uvalde Council of Governments in the next couple of weeks.” Yeackle said.

Shuttles from Uvalde to Concan

“We represent the HOT Tax in the city limits. The Texas Hill Country River Region operated the HOT Tax for the County. I’ve already spoken with Jamie Holmes-Vaden and we’re both on board with splitting the costs of a shuttle during spring break and summer.” Yeackle said.

According to Yeackle, the shuttle would not only transport tourists from Uvalde and Concan but also offer transportation for employees working at businesses in Concan to jobs from Uvalde and back.

The Texas Hill County River Region (Uvalde County Visitor’s Center) board President Jamie Holmes sent out a statement to area lodge owners stating the demand for water and the exceptionally dry conditionals are causing water shortage in Concan and the surrounding Hill Country area in Uvalde County.

  “Our area continues to struggle with producing enough water to meet our demand, driven largely by our unprecedented drought conditions.  Concan Water Supply (CCWS) has taken some short term measures that include shutting down water supplies to residents and guests for extended periods of time to allow the supply to recover.  As a result of generally low supply (low pressure and low volume) AND turning off/on the water in the evenings, the TCEQ is required to issue a ‘boil water notice. 

  It is important to understand that this notice was not driven by any concern over water quality or any existing contamination.  If your guests are on a property that utilities a supply (private well) that is not tied to CCWS, this notice does not apply. 

  We are working closely with CCWS to address the supply issue and will be meeting with the City of Uvalde today, who has agreed to assist.   However, we encourage all residents and guests to be very mindful with their water consumption and to be understanding of the challenges that we face in this unprecedented time across the State of Texas.  The TCEQ is also in Concan assisting the CCWS team to find solutions. “

Holmes said in a statement released yesterday. 

She ended the statement with:

“Pray for rain. “

The THCRR is a local governing body in charge with administering the area’s Hotel Occupancy Tax or (HOT) Tax monies collected by owners of lodging businesses in Uvalde County for use to promote tourism for the region. 

Texas Hill Country River Region

Office: 830-232-4310

After hearing a detailed presentation on the current marketing strategies by a board member of the Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau and then a follow-up presentation by Uvalde Chamber of Commerce Executive Director John Yeackle the Uvalde City Council voted approve a new contract with the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce to administer the city’s tourism promotion funded by Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT Tax). With Mayor Don McLaughlin and Councilman Stephen Balke absent from tonight’s city council meeting, the City Council was comprised of Councilman Rogelio M. Muñoz serving as Mayor Pro Tem,  Councilman Hector R. Luevano,  Councilman Everardo “Lalo” Zamora and Councilman Earnest “Chip” King.

Accompanied by Main Street Manager Susan Rios, Uvalde CVB board member Al Ortiz brought up new marketing strategies as well as a billboard located in San Antonio featuring the “Only in Uvalde” theme.

   See accompanying video of the Uvalde CVB Presentation.

At the previous City Council Meeting on Tuesday, April 26th, Uvalde  Chamber of Commerce executive director pitched a proposal to the Council to enter into a year and a half contractual agreement with the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce to administer the city’s tourism with HOT Tax monies. At that meeting the council did not take any action.

Following Yeakle’s remarks on why the city council should vote to contract with the Uvalde City Council, the council members weighed in on the matter.

“At no time did the City Council or staff go to the Chamber of Commerce.” King said

“We’ve appointed a subcommittee. Things are in turmoil right now thanks to the Chamber of Commerce.” King said.  He went on to say this is not an emergency.

“The Chamber decided to disrespect…did a run-around. That’s pretty damned disrespectful. There is no reason to do this.” King said.

Councilman Zamora said, “They should be working together. (referring to the Chamber of Commerce and the Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau) “Together we can make Uvalde beautiful: attractive.” he said.

Yeackle said, referring to the Chamber of Commerce, “We’ve increased revenue by 224%,. We’re retiring debt. We’re running the Chamber like a business.”

Councilman Luevano said, “He’s willing and able to move forward with this. Let’s give him an opportunity to work it.”

After a discussion on the Chamber’s proposal, the City Council entered into an executive session to consult with the city’s attorney.

After reconvening into open session, the council discussed having a contract stipulation added where after 3 months, the city council could evaluate how things are going and could opt out of the contract with the Uvalde Chamber of Commerce.  Under this new contract the City of Uvalde would take in the Uvalde Main Street Program which was previously a part of the Uvalde Convention and Visitors Bureau.

See accompanying video of City Council vote

The Texas Hill Country River Region has issued a news release with the results of the 2022 Board of Director’s elections.

Names are listed in alphabetical order:

  Uvalde County Resident and Owner of Buchanan Cabins, Helen Burgin spoke to the Uvalde County Commissioner’s Court at their Monday, April 25th meeting and presented the case for temporarily putting The Uvalde County River Region’s Hotel/Motel Tax on a temporary hold.  

  Burgin cited the level of inflation being one reason to consider the pause. She argued that eliminating the tax on tourists staying in the River Region area will save them the additional cost, allowing for more of those dollars to be spent at restaurants and other local businesses. 

  Burgin also brought up The Hill Country River Region (THCRR)  has not had a board election in 3 years. “Communication is terrible,” she said. 

  Burgin also announced that at the next THREE board election,  she is running for a board member position. “I want to let you know what’s going on at THCRR,” she said

  Prior to Burgin’s agenda item being heard by the Commissioner’s Court, THCRR Board President Jamie Holmes presented THCRR proposed budget to the Court. In Holmes’ presentation, she stated THCRR has not selected a new Executive Director yet but several have expressed an interest in the position. 

 Earlier this year, THCRR Annabell McNew resigned as THCRR Executive Director  

  Following Burgin’s presentation, Concan area business owner Jake Guerrero spoke in favor of keeping the HOT Tax. He stated he doesn’t think the 4% tax will affect tourism or allow for more money to be spent on items and services. 

  He also recommended waiting for the Executive Director position to be filled before taking action on the tax. 

He went on to say if the HOT tax is put on hold, it may affect the THCRR planning for the upcoming  2024 Total Solar Eclipse.

The Commissioners Court took no action on either the THCRR proposed budget or on Burgin’s proposal to temporarily suspend the HOT Tax.