Trump owes El Paso, Texas, $470,000 for February rally, O'Rourke paid

Beto O'Rourke pays bill for El Paso rally, Donald Trump still owes $470,000

EL PASO, Texas — Sales tax revenues and $400,000 in back taxes claimed from a high-profile El Paso businessman's bankruptcy are a few ways El Paso is absorbing a hit spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump's reelection campaign's delay in paying over $470,000 for a February rally.

Dueling rallies held by U.S. President Donald Trump and former Rep. Beto O'Rourke came with their share of costs for the city. While O'Rourke, who has since launched a presidential run, has covered costs from his counter-rally, the city is still waiting for the White House to pay up.

The two rallies in February received accommodations from the city of El Paso for security and transportation as thousands flocked to the two events. Police patrolled streets and kept order near the El Paso County Coliseum, where Trump supporters wore red "Make America Great Again," hats in anticipation of the president's visit.

Start the day smarter: Get USA TODAY's Daily Briefing in your inbox

More: Beto O'Rourke rallies in Texas kick off in El Paso, blocks from US-Mexico border

Sun Metro buses provided transportation for those attending the rally as they left their vehicles in distant parking lots.

O'Rourke led a counter march from Chamizal National Memorial Park into a location outside the coliseum. The former U.S. representative from El Paso was charged a little more than $21,021 for holding a "parade," according to his invoice. The due date for O'Rourke was May 24 and the campaign just made its deadline, according to city officials.

But the Trump campaign remains quiet on when it intends to pay the city of El Paso. Trump's campaign did not immediately respond to questions by the El Paso Times.

"It shows a lack of concern for the community and the tax paying voters of El Paso," said city rep. Alexsandra Annello. "President Trump has in many ways, over the last year, put a financial burden on this community and has yet to show us the respect we deserve. It is clear that our borderland is not a priority of the president."

The city of El Paso will absorb a $470,000 hit if the Trump campaign does not reimburse the city for the services it provided.

City officials say unexpected successes with sales tax revenues and $400,000 in back taxes owed by William "Billy" Abraham for multiple Downtown buildings are among the areas where the city can dip into funds to offset the current loss.

Brian Kennedy, CEO of the El Paso Sports Commission, which manages the El Paso County Coliseum, said the Trump campaign paid in full $5,000 to use the facility before the event.

Trump and his campaign owe the city of El Paso just over $470,000 for assistance from six city departments, according to an invoice. A letter was sent to Trump and his campaign in New York on May 23, requesting the debt be paid.

If Trump's campaign fails to pay the debt within 30 days of the notice, the city will charge a collection fee that would put the debt over $500,000. The city would be legally capable of increasing the fines as long as the debt is not paid

"We are contacting you regarding the past due invoice(s) listed above," the letter says. "We realize this may been a oversight on your part; however, your account with the city of El Paso is extremely past due."

The letter also reads the debt will stay in the city's books until the debt is paid in full.

"Further, the city may choose to not enter into a contract with an individual that is indebted to the city for more than $100," the letter says.

Invoices show Trump's campaign owes six city of El Paso departments for reimbursement of services during his rally at the El Paso County Coliseum on Feb. 11.

Streets and Maintenance department cost, $6,452

It's not unusual for presidential campaigns to have outstanding debts for rallies with cities. Various cities called on Trump and current Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders and former presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to pay bills for rallies during the 2016 election cycle.

The Center for Public Integrity reported that at least three-dozen municipal governments and law enforcement agencies said presidential campaigns ignored hundreds of thousands of dollars in outstanding bills for security during the last presidential election.

The center also reported that local officials often can't force campaigns to pay their debts unless they sign formal agreements with campaigns.

More: Like what you’re reading? Download the USA TODAY app for more

Follow Aaron Montes on Twitter: @aaronmontes91