The Brownfield Industrial Development Corporation voted Monday afternoon to assist an incoming businessman by reimbursing him for renovation costs for his business.

Havzi Jaha, the owner of Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, plans to open the restaurant at 1315 Tahoka Road. Jaha addressed the board in hopes of receiving funding to help with renovation of the building.

Jaha noted that the restaurant would eventually employ 14-15 workers and would be open seven days a week from 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

The BIDCorp members expressed concerns about the fact that Jaha does not own the building, but leases it. They also felt that the owner of the building, rather than the tenant, should incur the costs of renovation. However, Jaha explained that the owner of the building did not have the funds to complete the renovations.

Concerns also arose about the possibility of the owner facing bankruptcy, which means the building would come under the control of a conservatorship. However, Jaha stated that, in case of such an event, he would simply negotiate a lease agreement with the new owner.

After further discussion, the board agreed to pay Jaha $6,000 for renovation expenses. They also voted to give Jaha up to $18,000 based on the number of employees, to be paid quarterly.

In addition, the board discussed potential replacements for board member Tom Hesse, who will complete his three-year term at the end of March.

The item was tabled in order to give the board time to find a suitable replacement.