Dimmit County Commissioners Court voted to rescind a reduced-fee rental agreement for Royalty Choreography after an extended debate over whether the event as advertised primarily served youth and whether the group qualified for a discounted nonprofit rate. The court approved the rescission by voice vote; one member abstained, saying she had legal concerns about reversing the earlier action.

The dispute centered on a flyer for the event that commissioners said indicated programming for “women of all ages” and not exclusively for children. That prompted questions about the court’s policy for offering discounted rates (previously reserved for bona fide 501(c)(3) youth programming) and whether offering a reduced fee to a business-like activity would create a precedent that other organizations could cite.

A commissioner who had moved the original discounted rate told the court she had intended the reduced fee as youth programming support but said the flyer’s broader language changed the calculus. “I’m gonna rescind my motion,” she said during the meeting, explaining the earlier approval had been premised on events focused only on children.

The rescission motion was moved by the commissioner who prompted the reconsideration and seconded by Commissioner Alonso Carmona. Following discussion, the court voted to rescind the discounted-fee agreement; one commissioner, Miss McNutt, said she would abstain “because I feel like there’s legal issues,” and recorded her abstention.

Why it matters: County rental rates for public facilities set expectations for how taxpayer-owned property is used and who receives discounts. Commissioners cited concerns that a broader eligibility for discounted rates could lead to requests from other organizations and private businesses seeking similar concessions. The court did not adopt a revised discount policy during the meeting; commissioners said staff could return with clearer language or criteria for youth-focused rates.

What’s next: The rescinded reduced-fee contract removes the previously approved discounted arrangement; the organization may still book the facility at the regular rate or return with clarified documentation showing a primarily youth-focused program. The court did not vote on a replacement policy during the session.

Sources: Discussion and roll-call during the Dimmit County Commissioners Court meeting.