Council OKs hot-fund allocations and commissions CVB transition planning with chamber support

Rockwall City Council on Sept. 15 approved the hotel‑occupancy‑tax (HOT) subcommittee’s funding recommendations for fiscal year 2026 and authorized the city manager to execute related funding agreements with the exception of two items where councilmembers abstained due to board affiliations.

What was approved
The subcommittee reviewed more than $1.9 million in requests against roughly $1.8 million of expected HOT revenue and produced a package that funds a mix of tourism marketing, special events and cultural initiatives. The package includes an allocation to the Rockwall Chamber of Commerce to continue visitor-facing work while the city develops a plan to bring a convention and visitor bureau (CVB) function in-house. Council authorized the city manager to execute the subcommittee’s recommended funding agreements, excluding the two line items where council members had conflicts of interest; separate motions authorized those two allocations.

Why it matters
Councilmembers and staff described tourism and events as important revenue drivers (heads‑in‑beds) that support restaurants, retail and local hospitality. Several councilmembers thanked the chamber for longstanding tourism efforts while also directing staff to plan the next steps for a possible hybrid arrangement or eventual city-run CVB.

Next steps
City staff will work with the chamber on the agreed transition and prepare funding agreements. Councilmembers asked for further discussion about maintaining a visitor-facing presence downtown or at the harbor during any transition.

Ending
Council approved the HOT allocations and instructed the city manager to execute funding agreements. Councilmembers pledged to continue coordinating with the chamber on a phased transition plan for CVB services.