Bandera’s Economic Development Corporation provided $7,500 for the Christmas Committee Project at a special meeting Wednesday and discussed scheduling a town hall to hear suggestions from residents on plans for Settler’s Park.
The funding, approved through a performance agreement, will support additions to the city’s Christmas light displays, including new decorations for the Trail of Lights in City Park.
Christmas Committee representative Josie Evans told the board the city has assumed responsibility for installing many of the holiday displays and is working alongside volunteers to continue expanding the event.
“The goal is to continue to add every year,” Evans said. “Every year we hope to do a little bit more, a little bit better.”
Evans said proposed additions include an extension to the lighted tunnel, a western-themed cowboy display and a larger Christmas tree structure designed to make the centerpiece visible from farther away.
Board members discussed the economic impact of the annual event and ways to better measure visitor spending.
“I would like to see something more measurable to continue to fund,” board member Andrea Jankoski said, suggesting visitor surveys and other methods to determine how many people shop, dine or stay overnight in Bandera because of the event.
The board ultimately approved the $7,500 performance agreement and directed organizers to implement visitor surveys through QR codes to gather economic impact data.
The EDC also continued discussions on the future of Settler’s Park, the corporation- owned property at Hackberry and Second streets.
Board members reviewed cleanup proposals and approved a $17,000 bid from Seventh Generation Tractor Services to clear the property. Members cited safety concerns, including exposed wire, rebar and overgrown brush, as reasons to move forward with the project.
“I think it needs to be cleaned up,” Jankoski said. “If we wait to do anything until we have a plan, this is never going to be done.”
Board member Gay Guillot agreed cleanup was necessary but encouraged the board to establish a long-term vision for the property before making additional investments.
“I wouldn't want to put all this money out and get stalled,” Guillot said during the discussion.
Members offered several ideas for the property, including walking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities and pickleball courts.
The board discussed forming a committee and holding a town hall meeting to gather public input before making decisions about future development.
No immediate decision was made regarding specific amenities for the park, but board members indicated community feedback will help shape the project's direction moving forward.
The scheduling of a town hall for Settler’s Park is expected to be on the next BEDC agenda.
In other business, the BEDC named Patrica McMullan as the board’s investment officer, and unanimously voted not to renew the certificate of deposits at Bandera Bank after maturing on April 17. The BEDC voted instead to transfer the two CD’s to TexStar Bank.
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