The Brownfield City Council met in regular session on Thursday, November 21st, with short agenda. Councilmen Leo Pope and Jimmy Garza were absent.
The primary item on the agenda was the ongoing discussion about establishing a Type B Economic Development Corporation and the implications it would have for the City and the existing Brownfield Industrial Development Corporation. City Attorney Courtney White delivered a PowerPoint presentation outlining this transition. This change will need to be presented to the voters in an upcoming election. There are several steps that the City and BIDCorp must take to reach that stage.
The difference in a Type A and a Type B has to do with the type of work they are permitted to do, under state guidelines. Currently, under the most recent guidelines, a Type A can only do industrial and manufacturing. Type B can also do those, but is able to help with certain retail, restaurant and housing needs. There are specific guidelines on both. (Look for more information to come on this topic.)
Mayor Eric Horton said, “The more we explore the Type B economic corporation, it appears that the city of Brownfield will benefit significantly. One key advantage is that no new taxes will be raised; we will maintain the existing half-cent sales tax that currently goes to BIDCorp, which will then be transferred to the Type B corporation. Ultimately, the decision will be in the hands of the voters.”
Members of the council and the mayor confirmed that the current Executive Director, Gina Kelly, will continue in her role if the type B is approved.
Also on the agenda were the Quarterly Updates from both the City of Brownfield Building Inspector and the City of Brownfield Parks and Recreation Director. Both reports were approved as presented.
Following some routine budget amendments, the Council went into Executive Session.
Item eight in Executive Session was, “in accordance with Section 551.071 Consultation with attorney about pending or contemplated litigation or where the duties of the attorney under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct conflict with Chapter 551 of Texas Government Code.
And, item nine “in accordance with Section 551.086 certain public power utilities: competitive Matters – Power Purchase Agreement.
No action was taken following Executive Session.
Following announcements, the meeting was adjourned.
