According to state law, hotel occupancy tax can be used for convention center facilities and visitor centers, furnishing of facilities, personnel, and materials for the registration of convention delegates, advertising, solicitations, and promotional programs to attract tourists and convention delegates. Also, eligible are activities to encourage, promote and improve the Arts and historic restoration and/or preservation projects. Other eligible uses are the promotion expenses related to a sporting event and upgrading of an existing sports facilities with certain restrictions.
“Minimum requirements for eligible non profit organizations are they must be within the city limits or close proximity, must be a 501(c)3 designated non-profit that has been in existence not less than one year and the HOT funds contribution will not exceed 20% of their annual budget.” according to Director of Finance Mike Erwin. “Additional requirements include the non profit must be governed by a board, be a legal entity and provides programs and/or events open to appropriate public constituencies.” Evaluation criteria for each application will be based on number of room nights sold in Kerrville, program quality, effective use of community resources, visitor appeal and attendance statistics. Applications will also be judged on administrative ability demonstrating history of growth, stability and vision and the existence of short and long range plans. A new application for this year is available by contacting Director of Finance Mike Erwin mike.erwin@kerrvilletx.gov at 830.258.1120. Deadline for applications to be returned is July 15, 2011. Training will be conducted Wednesday, June 22 at 4:00 pm in the Council chambers.

For additional information concerning the Hot Occupancy Tax application contact Business Programs and Public Affairs Director Mindy Wendele at 830.258.1112 or visit the city’s website at www.kerrvilletx.gov .