Port Aransas Mayor Charles Bujan says it’s hard for people to find housing in Port Aransas, and House Bill 3778 would just make it more difficult.
The bill would allow any property to become a short-term rental. Currently, that is up to the city. In the case of Port Aransas, 90% is short-term rental and only 10% is long-term residential.
Mayor Bujan says that 10% is keeping the economy afloat while short-term rentals are driving population down. “It’s a domino effect that just goes right on down to a point where you just end up with a city of nothing but vacant homes that are filled on weekends and holidays.” said Bujan.
Currently the Port Aransas ISD is busing students in from other communities to maintain their schools and Bujan said it is also affecting local businesses who are having a hard time finding employees.
As for the bill, it’s pending in the House Committee.
