The Bandera County Commissioners voted unanimously April 25 to accept the second quarter financials from the Bandera County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB).
Commissioners Bruce Eliker and Jack Moseley were absent from the meeting, as they were attending the West Texas County Judges and Commissioner’s Court Conference.
CVB Director Patricia Moore confirmed to the court that the cash position was $118,000 and said that more money was on the way.
“We’re also sponsoring a product, Bird Bingo, from Texas Parks & Wildlife. That gets our name out there, and everyone that picks up one of those cards gets our information,” she told the court. “Texas Highways will have an ad for us coming out shortly, and I’m awaiting the public relations report for all the eclipse information coming out.”
Moore told the Bulletin that she felt the April 8 eclipse was a financial success for the county, citing reports of booked locations not just in the Bandera area, but also as far out as Vanderpool and Medina.
“The eclipse brought an entirely new audience to our community that has never visited,” Moore told the Bulletin. “Yes, from many different states and countries, but also many Texans who were new to Bandera and said they would come back.”
Moore, who told the Bulletin a more specific economic impact will be available in June, noted that the influx of people to Bandera including a “walking audience” on Main Street.
“The merchants in the city were very pleased, I do believe,” she told the Commissioners’ Court. “Even though Bill Taber [who hosted the Ground Zero Music Fest at Mansfield Park] did not have a roaring success, it was great to note that that piece of property was secured and was being managed, what I would consider, very well. I was out there at least three times a day. So, there you go.”
Moore next turned her attention to the HAM Rodeo, which she said will continue next year.
“It is an event that I hope can can grow,” she said. “It’s a precautionary event that we continue having, and that’s all I need to say.”
Afterwards, Commissioner Jody Rutherford complimented Moore.
“We’ve come a long long way since you’ve been here and I think you are doing great,” he said. “It’s a thousand percent different. I really appreciate it.”
“Well, it takes a team approach. Thank you for the compliment,” responded Moore.
Nodding to Commissioner Greg Grothues, she added, “This gentleman comes to enough of our meetings to know that we do work hard.”
