City of Eagle Pass Taxpayers Socked $2.35 Million Loss from 57 South Music Festival
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2024
The City of Eagle Pass, Texas Assistant City Manager Ivan Morua announced on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at the City Council regular meeting a report of the forensic audit conducted on the expenses and revenues of the recently held 57 South Music Festival, sponsored by the city at the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino during April 5-7, 2024, found that a total loss of $2,353,784 (million) was sustained by taxpayers.
Earlier on April 2, 2024, the Eagle Pass City Council led by Council members Monica J. Cruz and Mario E. Garcia approved a forensic audit of the expenses and revenues of the 57 South Music Festival be conducted upon learning that City Administration had advised City Council that only one music promoter had made a bid to manage the three day music festival when in fact at least two other candidates applied but were not considered.
The forensic audit report shows that a total of $2,607,121 (million) in expenses were sustained by the City of Eagle Pass in promoting and sponsoring the music festival while a total of $253,337 in revenues were made, causing a financial loss of $2,353,784 (million) to the City which the taxpayers have had to pay from its overall City general revenues budget.
In addition, the City Council has requested an opinion from the Office of the Attorney General to determine if any state laws were violated, particularly in the awarding of the music festival management contract to the music festival promoter. This opinion is pending from the Office of the Attorney General.
Former City Finance Director and Business Manager Jesus Rodriguez, Jr. was terminated by City Manager Homero Balderas on February 22, 2024 for unspecified reasons.
City taxpayers demand that City Council hold any individuals responsible for the loss be held accountable for the huge $2,353,784 (million) financial loss sustained from poor management of the 57 South Music Festival.
