By JACQI LEVYA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The Laguna Vista Community Development Corporation (CDC) met on November 17, 2025, at City Hall, where board members addressed public comments, deliberated on marina repair funding, and adopted the budget for the next fiscal year.
The meeting opened with an invocation and pledges before moving into roll call and an open forum. Three residents spoke during public comment, each offering different perspectives regarding the Laguna Vista Recreational Association’s (LVRA) request for financial assistance to repair the central boat ramp at the marina.
Rusty Justice, treasurer of the LVRA, thanked the CDC for considering the request and noted that the association has maintained the marina for more than 50 years. He clarified that the LVRA had only previously received one allocation of CDC funds, in 2020, for an ADA-accessible dock project. Justice emphasized that the marina remains a key asset for residents and contributes significantly to the community’s appeal and economy.
Resident Rudy Garcia spoke in opposition, citing a 2018 agreement in which both the LVRA and the City agreed that no taxpayer funds would be used for marina improvements until the agreement expires in 2031. Garcia urged the CDC not to allocate funds and stated that board members who belong to the LVRA should abstain from participation due to perceived conflicts of interest.
Mayor Michael Carter addressed the board next, clarifying that CDC funding comes from sales tax revenues—not property taxes—and highlighting that the corporation is authorized by state statute to fund recreational projects. With a current fund balance of $426,000, he said marina repairs would be an appropriate investment in a major community amenity.
Following public comment, the board entered executive session to discuss the funding request. Upon reconvening, the board voted to approve $63,175 toward the marina boat ramp repairs and directed staff to publish the required public notices before the project proceeds.
The board then reviewed and approved the proposed Fiscal Year 2025–26 CDC budget. The budget anticipates $100,000 in sales tax revenue, $1,000 in interest earnings, and begins the year with a $375,000 fund balance. Planned expenditures total approximately $251,853, leaving an estimated year-end balance of $228,353. The budget also continues the previously approved $30,000 allocation for an environmental study of the marina.
During discussion, board members requested updated statistics from the community clinic to determine its long-term viability and compliance with its operational agreement. The board also reviewed funding categories related to special events, fireworks, promotions, and vendor fees.
The meeting adjourned following the adoption of the new fiscal budget.