WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS AWARD FALL 2025 HOT FUNDS

  

Washington County Commissioners approved the disbursement of hotel occupancy tax (HOT) grant funding for the fall 2025 cycle today (Tuesday). 

The court awarded $25,181 in HOT funds to three organizations to assist with the promotion of events or the mitigation of costs associated with special projects or operating expenses.  Five requests were made for $45,681, with two being funded entirely, one receiving partial funding, and two not fulfilled.

The largest funding request of $15,500 came from Washington-on-the-Brazos for the grand re-opening of the Star of the Republic Museum, as major renovation project continues at the historic site.  The request was funded completely.

Also receiving full funding was Unity Theatre, who asked for $5,181 to help with marketing for its 2025-26 season of performances.

The Texas Arts and Music Festival received $4,500 of its $7,000 request for the 2025 installment of the festival in downtown Brenham.

Organizations that did not receive funding were the Heritage Society of Washington County, who requested $15,000 for repairs and historical restoration efforts, and Main Street Brenham, who asked for $3,000 for the Christmas Stroll and Lighted Parade.

HOT funds are awarded twice a year for the spring and fall, typically averaging around $25,000 for each distribution.  Requests are fulfilled based upon the review of a grant eligibility committee and the recommendations of a funding committee.  In December, the county approved the allocation of $16,900 in HOT funds to five organizations for the spring 2025 cycle.

Also at today’s meeting, the court:

• Received a presentation from Brenham City Secretary and Director of Administrative Services Jeana Bellinger about the city’s spay/neuter assistance program.  Brenham Animal Services staff has received numerous inquiries about county residents being able to participate in the program, which is currently limited to city residents.  Brenham Animal Services partners with Animal Friends of Washington County to provide low-cost spays and neuters for City of Brenham pets, using a city allocation of $10,000 for the 2024 Fiscal Year.  The county is being asked to consider participating in the program at the same financial level as the city.
• Approved a sublease agreement between the county and Mike Hopkins Distributing Company for 0.209 acres of land adjacent to the county’s EMS’ station at 1875 Highway 290 West.  The county will rent the land at the sum of $1 per year for the purpose of building a helipad, the cost of which will be covered by the company. 
• Approved the use of $52,500 in courthouse security funds to purchase Metrasens Ultra Silver security screening equipment and accessories.  Sheriff Trey Holleway said the portable devices are meant to enhance security protocols prior to entrance into the county and district courtrooms. 
• Agreed to advertise for competitive sealed proposals for the Washington County records storage facility from a general contractor.  Bids will be due on July 24^th at 10 a.m. in the county clerk’s office and opened that morning on the commissioners court chambers.
• Adopted a resolution to designate authorized signatories for the Community Development Block Grant Mitigation Program through the General Land Office.  The county has been approved for $1,119,800 in grant funding to build a bridge on South Meyersville Road over New Year’s Creek.  In related items, the court adopted a resolution regarding civil rights polices and proclaimed the month of April as Fair Housing Month as it pertains to the grant.
• Approved a subdivision variance request for a land division fronting Artesian Park Lane, consisting of 22.132 acres in Precinct 4.
• Received the Engineering and Development Services Department’s quarterly report.