By CARLEY TUCKER
news@wood.cm
The Wood County Economic Development Commission received an extensive update on the county’s hotel occupancy tax grant program and heard a presentation on quality-of-life initiatives during its June 10 meeting.
Executive Director Christine Thomas reported that hotel occupancy tax collections continue to grow and could reach record levels this fiscal year.
“The hotel occupancy tax is one of the most important economic development tools available to us as the EDC,” Thomas told commissioners.
Thomas said the county received approximately $17,000 in hotel occupancy tax revenue in May and remains more than 26% ahead of last year’s pace. Based on current trends, she said fiscal year 2026 collections could exceed $250,000, surpassing previous records.
“Just based on today’s trends, we’re probably bringing at least $200,000, most likely $250,000, which would definitely be a record for us,” she said.
Thomas reviewed the county’s 2027 HOT grant program, which provides funding for events and projects designed to attract visitors, generate overnight stays and increase economic activity. She emphasized that state law restricts how hotel occupancy tax funds can be spent and requires a clear tourism benefit.
“The goal is not simply to fund events, but to generate measurable economic impact,” Thomas said.
The application period for 2027 HOT grants opened June 1 and continues through June 30. Applications will be reviewed in July before recommendations are presented to the commission in August and forwarded to the Wood County Commissioners Court for final approval.
Thomas also outlined recent improvements to the grant process, including standardized applications, formal scoring criteria and branding June as “HOT June” to increase public awareness of funding opportunities.
Commission members discussed the role tourism continues to play in the local economy, particularly around Lake Fork.
“Lake Fork is our crown jewel. People come from all over the world annually,” Thomas said.
Following the HOT grant presentation, commissioners heard a presentation from Dr. Todd Witt focused on quality of life, conservation and community engagement as economic development strategies.
Witt said Wood County’s natural resources, small-town character and community involvement are among its strongest assets for attracting residents, visitors and future investment.
“One of our greatest assets with any kind of economic development recruitment effort is quality of life,” Witt said.
He emphasized the importance of balancing future growth with preservation of the county’s identity.
“As we do growth, we need to make sure we’re not destroying the very thing that makes us who we are,” Witt said.
The presentation also highlighted plans for the countywide “Better Together” community engagement campaign, expanded conservation and sustainability efforts through the Upper Sabine Valley Solid Waste Management District and tourism projects at the Wood County Arboretum.
In other business, the commission received updates on a tourism marketing video, website redesign efforts, social media growth and planning for the fourth annual Wood County Health Fair, scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Carroll Green Civic Center.
A discussion was also held about the proposed dementia village project being pursued by the Wood County Health Care Foundation. The development, which would provide specialized care for residents with dementia, could become a major economic driver for the county while creating hundreds of jobs.
Commissioners also approved an additional $3,000 in sponsorship funding for the Rock the Pines Christian Music Festival, bringing the total sponsorship to $10,000. The board also approved $1,200 in sponsorship funding for Okra Palooza.