For more than 20 years, it has only cost $12 for an annual beach parking pass accepted by Corpus Christi, Nueces County and Port Aransas beaches.
But now, the three local governments are considering raising the price to $20.
The city of Corpus Christi and the city of Port Aransas are on board, but the plan will need approval from the state to go into effect. The Nueces County Commissioners Court also approved an amendment, though commissioners spoke of potentially renegotiating the revenue share model.
The beach agreement between the three governments was first approved in 2002, allowing the entities to sell and recognize beach parking permits. Revenues are shared, with the funds used for beach-related services and maintenance.
Other than a 2004 amendment raising the price from $6 to $12, the agreement has remained in place “with little discussion,” according to a city of Corpus Christi memo dated Feb. 10. However, the costs of beach maintenance, including beach renourishment, have increased beyond the amount of revenue generated by the parking permits.
Cost comparisons
According to the memo, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi and Nueces County staff met in September to discuss raising the price and reconsidering the revenue sharing model.
The memo states that even at $20, the cost of beach parking locally would still be cheaper than at other Texas beaches. Cameron County on South Padre Island charges $100 for an annual beach pass, while the city of Galveston charges $50 for a seasonal pass and an additional $45 for seawall parking.
However, in Galveston and South Padre, there are also daily parking pass options.
An annual pass for Padre Island National Seashore costs $45.
Revenue sharing model
Historically, Corpus Christi, Port Aransas and Nueces County have shared revenues from beach parking passes based on the linear feet of beach that each entity maintains.
But with the proposed amendment, the city of Port Aransas would receive 84% of revenues from passes physically sold in Port Aransas, and Nueces County would receive 16%. The city of Corpus Christi would receive 84% of revenues from sales anywhere outside of Port Aransas city limits, with Nueces County receiving 16%.
To ensure uniformity, the city of Corpus Christi would create the beach parking permits, with Port Aransas reimbursing Corpus Christi for the costs of permits sold in Port Aransas.
Status of the changes
In February, the Corpus Christi City Council voted to authorize a resolution to amend the agreement for Mustang Island and North Padre Island beach parking beginning in 2027. Only council member Carolyn Vaughn and Mayor Paulette Guajardo voted against it.
The Port Aransas City Council approved the amendments in January.
Both cities approved both the rate increase and the revenue model changes.
The Nueces County Commissioners Court discussed the rate increase and revenue share model on March 25, voting to approve it. However, the county commissioners expressed interest in renegotiating the revenue share model at some time in the future.
The new rate and revenue distribution model must be approved by the Texas General Land Office through the beach management plan process. If approved, the new rates would go into effect in January.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Could Corpus Christi beach parking costs increase? Here’s what we know
Reporting by Olivia Garrett, Corpus Christi Caller Times / Corpus Christi Caller Times
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