El Campo’s City Council voted 5-1 to cover the Civic Center rental fee for the annual Christmas Mall fundraiser this weekend, saving the local chamber of commerce $5,275. This comes after financial turmoil for the chamber, including a theft investigation, unpaid payroll taxes, and loss of $51,000 in city funding. New chamber leader Kelly Balthrop highlighted tough decisions, such as selling the historic fire station, to stabilize operations. Despite concerns from some council members about accountability, the event will proceed, providing a boost to local holiday shopping and tourism.