City Council approves to waive or reduce certain rental fees of Municipal Facilities
By: Jose G. Landa, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc. Copyright 2015
The Eagle Pass City Council unanimously approved the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 22, Article VI of the City’s Code of Ordinances regarding the use of city-owned buildings, equipment and facilities allowing for possible waiving of fees or reduction of fees associated with the renting of city owned buildings, seeking to promote economic development and to attract local citizens and tourist to invest and participate in the local economy, at their meeting held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015.
During discussion of Agenda Item No.4, Eagle Pass City Manager Gloria Barrientos advised City Council that the purpose of this amendment to the City Ordinance was to authorize City Council to waive or reduce the fees for the rental of city-owned facilities such as the Multi-Purpose Center and the International Center for Trade to non-profit or for-profit organizations or groups for projects which would bring unique programs and economic development opportunities to the community, as well as bring tourism. Barrientos noted that on many occasions, local organizations approach the City for a fee waiver or fee reduction for lease of city properties but under the Ordinance currently established it does not allow the City to grant such waivers or fee reduction requests. Barrientos added that usually the local organizations ask the City with a short notice before the date of an event, giving her insufficient time to advise the City Council and so she has to deny said requests.
Barrientos advised City Council that any future requests seeking a fee waiver or reduction would have to promote a unique event which showcases our community, bring economic development to the community, and promote the welfare of the community.
Councilwoman Gloria E. Hernandez raised an important issue whether for-profit organizations would be eligible for the fee waiver or reduction. Barrientos stated yes provided they met the criteria of a unique event, promoted economic development and the welfare of the community. Councilman Luis E. Sifuentes inquired how much time did the City need these organizations to submit their requests in advance for consideration. Barrientos replied that at least 30 days would be needed. Sifuentes replied that he thought that at least 180 days should be considered. Barrientos amended her earlier suggestion of 30 days to now requiring 90 to 180 days and that the City could reply to these organizations within 10 days.
The City Council appeared to concur with the suggestion that 90 to 180 days advance notice be required and unanimously approved the First Reading of the Amendment to the Ordinance provided the changes noted at this meeting by Council be incorporated in the Second Reading at the next meeting.
The City of Eagle Pass lacks a marketing arm and strategy such as a Visitors and Convention Bureau to promote its city-owned properties to local and out-of-town groups, organizations, and individuals to rent their facilities to assist raise revenues to offset the expensive costs to maintain these municipal properties.
Barely mentioned but not fully discussed was whether the City or the organization requesting the fee waiver or reduction would be responsible for other costs to hold a “unique” event such as security, janitorial services, cleanup, maintenance, and other expenses. Taxpayers hope City Council will discuss and establish responsibility for these costs at the second reading of the amendment to the ordinance.
