Download & Print
May 22, 2023
Commissioners Court Briefing
By Jessica Nohealapa’ahi
The Bandera Prophet
Bandera County commissioners are working to identify active short-term rentals countywide. Stating he has spoken with firms that specialize in collecting data that will help monitor Airbnb, VRBO and other B&Bs, Pct. 3 Commissioner Jack Moseley said the county collects Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) from 122 businesses, however there are at least 554 in operation.
Moseley said Granicus, a short-term rental management company, will provide photos with address identification, as well as monitor rental activity, advertising and online posts. Bandera County Tax Assessor/Collector Reba Dolphus said her office does not have enough staff to monitor the high number of B&Bs in the county.
“We’re missing out on property taxes,” Dolphus said.
Moseley said the one-year contract price for Granicus is $23,308.60, which provides address identification, online compliance monitoring, rental monitoring, and tax collection. Dolphus said she has the money in her budget to pay for the service. Moseley said a bill currently in the Senate, if passed, will allow counties and cities to use HOT funds to pay for the service in the future.
~ In other business, commissioners approved the Bandera Business Association’s request to use the courthouse lawn for events in June, July and August. Rutherford asked BBA Vice President Kimberly Williams for an accounting of what the non-profit group collects and spends.
“We would like to know how much the BBA makes and what organizations the money goes to,” Pct. 4 Commissioner Jody Rutherford said.
In addition to Market Days, which are held the first Saturday of each month, the BBA hosts Cowboys on Main, RiverFest, National Day of the American Cowboy, and the Christmas Jubilee.
~ Commissioners granted permission to State Trooper Chip Aragones to power wash the front of the courthouse, including the columns, steps and sidewalks, contingent on permission from the Texas Historical Commission. Aragones traditionally decorates the courthouse with Christmas lights, and the cleaning is in preparation for this year’s annual set-up.
~ County Auditor Darryl Sadler reported the Bandera solid waste station is no longer operating at a deficit. He said several changes were made, including making sure containers were filled before hauled off.
Moseley said Granicus, a short-term rental management company, will provide photos with address identification, as well as monitor rental activity, advertising and online posts. Bandera County Tax Assessor/Collector Reba Dolphus said her office does not have enough staff to monitor the high number of B&Bs in the county.
“We’re missing out on property taxes,” Dolphus said.
Moseley said the one-year contract price for Granicus is $23,308.60, which provides address identification, online compliance monitoring, rental monitoring, and tax collection. Dolphus said she has the money in her budget to pay for the service. Moseley said a bill currently in the Senate, if passed, will allow counties and cities to use HOT funds to pay for the service in the future.
~ In other business, commissioners approved the Bandera Business Association’s request to use the courthouse lawn for events in June, July and August. Rutherford asked BBA Vice President Kimberly Williams for an accounting of what the non-profit group collects and spends.
“We would like to know how much the BBA makes and what organizations the money goes to,” Pct. 4 Commissioner Jody Rutherford said.
In addition to Market Days, which are held the first Saturday of each month, the BBA hosts Cowboys on Main, RiverFest, National Day of the American Cowboy, and the Christmas Jubilee.
~ Commissioners granted permission to State Trooper Chip Aragones to power wash the front of the courthouse, including the columns, steps and sidewalks, contingent on permission from the Texas Historical Commission. Aragones traditionally decorates the courthouse with Christmas lights, and the cleaning is in preparation for this year’s annual set-up.
~ County Auditor Darryl Sadler reported the Bandera solid waste station is no longer operating at a deficit. He said several changes were made, including making sure containers were filled before hauled off.