The council turned its attention to a lengthy agenda that included several funding requests, economic development items, and tourism-related considerations.
After the meeting was called to order, the council began with the invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by public comment. No citizens came forward to address the council. Members then approved the minutes from the previous meeting, completing the standard opening procedures before moving into the morning’s business.
Brownfield Fire & Rescue has released its Fourth Quarter Report covering the period from October 1 through December 31, 2025, highlighting a notable increase in emergency call volume, continued community engagement, and ongoing operational readiness. During the fourth quarter, Brownfield Fire & Rescue responded to a total of 118 calls, with 67 occurring within the City of Brownfield and 51 in Terry County.
Motor vehicle accidents led the call totals with 27 responses, reflecting a 30 percent increase from the third quarter. Overall call volume rose by nearly 45 percent during the fourth quarter.
Other incidents included:
- EMS assists: 19
- Structure fires: 14
- Grass fires: 11
- Gas leaks: 9
- Smoke investigations: 5
- Vehicle fires: 4
- Trash fires: 3
- Alarms: 2
- Illegal burns: 2
- Hazardous materials incidents: 2
- Cotton fires: 17
- Dumpster fires: 1
- Rescues: 1
- Carbon monoxide calls: 1
Grass fire activity remained steady through the quarter but has since declined due to moderate curing in post-fall grasses.
The department reported that staffing levels are currently full. Brownfield Fire & Rescue maintains four active volunteers, with 15 total volunteer positions filled. Automatic aid agreements with Meadow and Wellman continue to serve as a valuable asset within the Terry County Fire Service network. Continuing education units (CEUs) were maintained throughout the quarter, and in-person training classes resumed in January. Fire crews completed 11 annual fire inspections, along with multiple Certificates of Occupancy inspections and pre-construction walkthroughs. Plan reviews remain ongoing for various projects and remodels throughout the community. The department’s main fleet is currently in good working order. Repairs are scheduled for Rescue 2 due to a tank crack, and electrical issues are still being addressed on Unit 59.
In addition to emergency responses, Brownfield Fire & Rescue remained active in community outreach and support efforts, assisting or attending several local events, including:
- October 1: BISD Bonfire
- October 3: Harvest Fest
- October 28: Colonial Heights Touch-A-Truck
- November 7: Homeschool tour at the fire station
- December 7: Christmas Lights Parade
The fourth quarter report underscores the department’s increasing call demand, strong regional partnerships, and commitment to both emergency response and community involvement. Brownfield Fire & Rescue continues to emphasize readiness, training, and public safety as it moves into the new year.
Next, the Council would hear from Municipal Judge David Cox. The Municipal Court saw steady activity throughout the final quarter of the year, with a total of 271 new cases filed between October and December. October recorded the highest number of filings with 103 cases, followed by 88 in November and 80 in December, reflecting a gradual decline as the quarter progressed.
Case resolutions during the quarter resulted in 59 total dispositions through guilty pleas or no-contest findings. November led the way with 28 dispositions, while October had 21 and December recorded 10. Enforcement actions remained consistent as well, with 72 warrants issued during the quarter. November accounted for the highest number at 38, compared to 31 in October and just 3 in December. Additionally, 40 capias pro fine actions were recorded, the majority occurring in November (31), with 9 in December and none in October.
The court also issued 55 magistrate warnings during the quarter. October saw the highest number at 31, while November recorded 14 and December had 10. Juvenile-related matters totaled 21 cases, with 13 cases in October, none in November, and 8 in December. Emergency detention orders were relatively rare, with five issued during the quarter—two in October, three in December, and none in November. Jail credit cases represented another significant portion of court activity, totaling 50 cases. November led this category with 27 cases, followed by 15 in December and 8 in October.
From a financial standpoint, the court generated $42,911.00 in total case revenue for the quarter. Monthly totals included $14,830.00 in October, $15,387.00 in November, and $12,694.00 in December. Of that total, $28,060.00 was distributed as city revenue, with November again leading at $10,367.00, followed by $9,285.00 in October and $8,408.00 in December. The state’s portion of revenue for the quarter totaled $14,851.00, broken down as $5,545.00 in October, $5,020.00 in November, and $4,286.00 in December.
Overall, the fourth-quarter report highlights consistent court operations, steady case management, and a balanced distribution of revenue between the city and the state, despite a modest decline in filings toward the end of the year.
The. Brownfield Police Chief Chris Kotzur appeared before the City Council as an agenda item to formally present the Brownfield Police Department’s 2025 Annual Report, along with the 2025 Racial Profile Report. During the presentation, Chief Kotzur outlined key data, departmental activity, and reporting requirements, providing council members and the public with an overview of law enforcement operations and demographic reporting for the year. Following discussion and review, the Brownfield City Council approved both reports. Residents can read the full article for a more in-depth look at the reports and the information presented during the meeting.
In other business, the Brownfield City Council approved funding to send two officers to attend the South Plains Association of Governments (SPAG) Regional Law Enforcement Academy Court Security Specialist Course in Lubbock. The academy, located at 6811 Indiana Avenue, Suite B, offers the 40-hour TCOLE Court Security Specialist Course at a cost of $400 per officer, plus a $150 SPAG LEA fee. The course meets Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) requirements for the Court Security Specialist Certificate and satisfies training mandates established under Texas Senate Bill 42, also known as the Judicial and Courthouse Security Act. The training is designed to prepare officers to protect judges, jurors, court staff, defendants, and members of the public, while also developing critical response skills to address weapons, explosive devices, and active threats within a courtroom setting.
Next, the Council took formal action on Resolution No. 20260205, conducting the first of two required readings of an economic development agreement between the Brownfield Type B Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) and Cub Drive-In of Brownfield, Texas. The council approved both the incentive amount and the first reading of the agreement, moving the project forward to a second reading and final consideration at a future meeting, as required by city procedure.
The approved Type B incentive totals $167,787 and is part of a larger $309,221.02 renovation and expansion project presented by Cub Drive-In in November. Planned improvements include a $288,125 addition to the existing building, $8,216.18 for a new heating and air-conditioning system, $2,092.50 for exterior painting, and $10,787.34 for new signage. Under the terms of the agreement, Cub Drive-In is obligated to match the incentive funding as part of the total project investment. BEDC allocated $157,000 toward the building addition and $10,787 toward updated signage. The restaurant has also stated it plans to hire two new full-time employees once renovations are complete.
Cub Drive-In has been a staple of the Brownfield community for more than 50 years, serving generations of residents and remaining a familiar gathering place for families and friends. Based on historical averages, the business generates approximately $476,000 in annual taxable sales. With the city’s total sales tax rate at 1.5%, including the EDC’s 0.5% portion, Cub Drive-In continues to contribute to the local economy while providing jobs and long-term stability. City leaders have expressed that this investment reflects confidence in a homegrown business with deep roots in Brownfield and represents a commitment to strengthening existing establishments that play an important role in the community’s identity and economic foundation.
The next item of business for the Council was to approve a bundled Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) fund project focused on improvements to the Visitor Information Center and Chamber of Commerce facility. The total project request is $60,000 and Includes both parking and ADA accessibility upgrades, as well as interior improvements designed to enhance visitor services, meetings, and overall facility functionality. The project qualifies under Texas Tax Code §351.101 as improvements supporting visitor information services, making it an eligible use of HOT funds.
A significant portion of the project centers on parking lot and ADA accessibility upgrades, with an estimated $30,000 allocated for repairs and restoration of parking surface areas serving the facility. Plans include constructing ADA-compliant ramps and curb cuts as needed, restriping and designating accessible parking spaces (with signage if required), and improving overall safety, access, and compliance for visitors and public events. These enhancements are intended to improve public access while supporting tourism-related use of the facility.
In addition to exterior work, interior upgrades will improve the building’s ability to serve visitors and host meetings. To maximize cost efficiency, much of the interior labor and some site preparation may utilize the Terry County Sheriff’s Office inmate work program, where appropriate. By focusing HOT expenditures primarily on materials, supplies, and required professional services, the project aims to stretch available funds while strengthening one of the community’s primary visitor-facing facilities.
The last four items of business were for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) funding items presented on the agenda, continuing its support of tourism-related events and organizations throughout the community. Council members approved the application submitted by the Terry County Heritage Museum for HOT funding covering the period of January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2026. The museum’s funding supports its ongoing operations, programming, and efforts to attract visitors interested in local history and heritage.
The council also approved the post-funding report submitted by the Brownfield Lions Club for the 3rd Annual Hoopin’ Cubs’ Classic Regional Basketball Tournament, an event that draws teams and visitors from across the region. In addition, funding was approved for advertising through Explore West Texas (formerly TravelHost) Magazine of West Texas to promote Brownfield and its attractions to a broader audience. Finally, the council approved the application submitted by the Brownfield Knights of Columbus for HOT funding to support the Great American Cook-Off, scheduled for June 5-6, 2026, at Coleman Park. The annual cook-off is expected to bring participants and visitors into the community, further supporting local tourism and economic activity. The Council approved all four items.
The meeting was adjourned. All seven council members and the mayor were present. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 19th at 7:30 am in the Council Chambers at City Hall.
