Cameron County raises daily beach access fee from $12 to $15, expects ~$922,000 revenue boost

The Commissioners Court approved a $3 increase to the daily beach access fee at county coastal parks, moving the rate from $12 to $15 beginning Oct. 1, 2026. Staff told the court the increase is intended to help close an operational deficit in the parks system, which staff described as approximately $1.516 million in 2025 and tied to maintenance, bond payments and equipment replacement.

In the presentation staff said the $3 increase would generate roughly $922,000 in additional revenue and cautioned that the Texas General Land Office (GLO) reimbursement for trash collection could be affected if the county sets a $15 cap; staff noted other counties had secured GLO approval for higher rates in past years. The court approved the proposal by voice vote. Commissioners asked staff to monitor litter and confirm how the trash‑reimbursement program will be administered under the new cap.

The court also discussed converting seasonal trash‑refund positions to maintenance workers to improve beach upkeep. The vote to approve the $3 daily increase was moved by Commissioner Lopez and seconded by Commissioner Benavides; motion carries by voice vote.