The commission also heard from Chamber Director Christy Burns about this year’s Watermelon Festival. Burns said the concert partnership between chamber and UAHT Foundation has dissolved so the chamber is responsible for entirety of concert now. She asked the commission for the same sponsorship as in previous years. Commission members said they would more than likely do the same this year but they had to wait until the new year’s budget was approved, so the issue was tabled for now. 

The commission revisited the discussion regarding signs for the public parking space behind the Klipsch Heritage Museum. In a previous meeting they chose the bid from Whatley, but were waiting on measurements before giving final approval. Parks Director and Tourism Secretary Summer Chambers reported that the measurements were taken and the signs would fit in the designated spaces, so the commission gave final approval for the purchase and installation of the two public parking signs. 

In other business, the James Black Bowie Knife Festival asked the commission for a sponsorship of this year’s festival, but because the festival is held outside city limits the commission could not approve a sponsorship for the event. 

The commission approved the budget for 2024. 

Chambers gave an update on permits and payments, saying that some of the businesses who were four months behind are now caught up. The new system for collecting the delinquent tourism taxes is proving effective. Chambers reported there are a few business a month or two behind, but that the certified letters are being sent and the process followed.