City accepting applications for HOT funds in July

The City of Cameron will begin taking applications for HOT FUNDS, Hotel Occupancy Tax funds on July 5. 

Applications can be found on the city webpage at camerontexas.net.  You must return complete applications to Cameron City Hall, 100 S. Houston, Cameron, Texas.  

“HOT FUNDS are collected as a fee on hotel bills,” Cameron City Manager Rhett Parker said. “The funds are to be used for the promotion and marketing of the hotels, tourism and marketing and promoting events that support “Heads and Beds”.  Special events in Cameron put overnight guest into hotels.  The Annual Basketball Classic in December is one event, which occupies hotel rooms, some teams have traveled as far as Australia to compete.”  

The HOT Funds are also used to market Cameron Tourism and list special events in brochures and tourism websites. 

The preservation of historical sites and markers are also benefactors from HOT Funds.  The historical marker at Ledbetter Park was funded through these funds. The renovations of the American Legion Hut and Ladies Auxiliary Building are also recipients of grants.

The HOT Funds applications are taken from July 5-31 each year.  

The Tourism Board meets in August to review and award funds. The awards cannot be used until after Oct. 1, when the City Fiscal Budget begins.  

The board sets an award amount based on projected revenue from the year.  Typically, the board awards $35,000 to $45,000 annually.  

If you would like more information on the application process, contact City Manager Rhett Parker at rparker@camerontexas.com or by calling (254) 697-6646.