Economic Facts

STARTING A BUSINESS ON SOUTH PADRE ISLAND

For the most current and up-to-date revenue figures, labor data and population trends go to www.southpadreislandedc.com. To learn more about required permits and city ordinances regarding the start-up of a new business or the purchase of an existing business, go to www.myspi.org or contact the City of South Padre Island Development office at 956.761.8113.

South Padre Island Economic Facts

GOVERNMENT

South Padre Island is a council-manager form of government, which consists of the Mayor and five City Councilmen, all elected. They in turn hire a City Manager. The City Council meets the first and third Wednesday of each month. For more information go to www.myspi.org. Cameron County operates with five elected Commissioners, who meet every Tuesday afternoon to manage county affairs. For more information go to www.co.cameron.tx.us.

TAXES

The State of Texas has no State income tax and allows for local tax incentives and exemptions from State sales tax. Local taxing discounts include a $15,000 homestead exemption, and a 20% exemption on both the Laguna Madre Water District and City of South Padre Island taxes. Cameron County offers a $12,000 exemption to taxpayers over the age of 65. Ad valorem taxes are assessed and collected by Cameron County. The City of South Padre Island has a 8.25% sales tax (1⁄2 % to Economic Development, 11⁄2 % to City of SPI and 61⁄4 % to State of Texas), and a 17% Hotel/Motel Tax (6% to State of Texas, of which 1% is returned to the City for beach renourishment, 8.5% to the Convention and Visitors Bureau, 2% for City Venue projects, and 0.5% to Cameron County for County Venue projects). For information on property taxes, contact the Cameron County Appraisal District at 956.399.9322 or visit their website at www.cameroncad.org

UTILITIES

Water and sewer needs for South Padre Island residents and businesses are managed by Laguna Madre Water District (956.943.2626), and waste disposal is provided by Republic Services (800.423.7316). Electrical service can be obtained from several suppliers (www.powertochoose.org), and land line telecommunication service is also available through multiple companies (www.connectmyphone. com). South Padre Island is serviced by numerous internet and cable provider companies. Check with your current carrier regarding options. ` availability and

MUSEUMS & ATTRACTIONS

• Alonso Building • Bellas Artes Academy of Dance • Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts • Brownsville Performing Arts Academy • Camille Playhouse Theatre • Children’s Museum of Brownsville • Costumes of the Americas Museum • Daniel Maldonado Gallery • Dance Expressions Studio • Downtown Market Square • Gladys Porter Zoo • Heritage Museum • Historic Brownsville Museum • La Chicharra Gallery • Laureles Ranch House Museum • Old City Cemetery • Puente Art Studio • Stillman House Museum • The Livery Gallery • The Art Hub

RESTAURANTS & COFFEE

Palm Blvd -

• 7th & Park • 1848 BBQ • Anita’s Gourmet Tortilleria* • Chicken Run • La Scala Restaurant • Lola’s Bistro • Las Palmas Bakery*

Market Square -

• 1929 Whiskey Tavern • Arados Restaurant • Dodici Pizza + Wine • Las Cazuelitas • Ricardo’s Restaurant • Terras Urban Mexican Kitchen • Veggie Del Sol

International Blvd -

• El Amigo Seafood Cockteleria • McDonald’s • Tacos El Knock Out • Taqueria La Bravo • Pizza Hut • Sushi Bento • Wingstop