Cowen: I believe passing the Visitor Tax allocation is a step forward

For the May 3rd election, there will be an item related to a potential Cameron County Arena development.

This proposition, if approved, would allow the Visitor Tax that is already being collected on hotel rooms (2%) and rental cars (5%) in Cameron County to be used towards a potential Arena development in Cameron County. It is important to note this would not be a new tax to the residents of Cameron County. 

In March, the (Brownsville) City Commission passed a unanimous resolution in support of an arena development in our area as it would greatly increase our quality of life in our region by providing more entertainment and cultural opportunities for our residents and it would allow us to improve our economic development and increase our ability to attract and retain businesses and talent. 

I believe passing this Visitor Tax allocation is a step forward in making this development a reality but there is obviously more work to be done to determine the project size and scope and developing a prudent financing plan which would utilize Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone financing to help pay for infrastructure only using the growth that is generated in the designated zone. 

My understanding is that there will be opportunities to partner with our local educational institutions to be able to host indoor graduations and large events.

Early voting begins tomorrow. Voting Polling Location Hours of Operation are:

Main Public Library

2600 Central Blvd.

·         Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, April 25: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

·         Saturday, April 26: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

·         Monday, April 28 – Tuesday, April 29: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Southmost Public Library

4320 Southmost Road

·         Tuesday, April 22 – Friday, April 25: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

·         Saturday, April 26: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

·         Monday, April 28 – Tuesday, April 29: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Early voting ends April 29th. Election Day is Saturday, May 3rd.

Here is the resolution approved by Brownsville City Commission:

Editor’s Note: The above commentary was penned by Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr. It first appeared on his social media pages.

The post Cowen: I believe passing the Visitor Tax allocation is a step forward appeared first on Rio Grande Guardian.