The Brownfield City Council met on Thursday, December 5, at 7:30 am for their regular meeting. All Council members were present.
The major item on the agenda again was Brownfield Industrial Development Corporation (BIDCorp) and the decision whether to change from a Type A to a Type B. As has been stated before, as a Type A, BIDCorp can primarily do only industrial or manufacturing type projects, with a few special exceptions. As a Type B, the corporation would be able to more easily assist with retail type projects. A Type B can also continue to do industrial and manufacturing projects. Most area towns with a population comparable to Brownfield have Type B corporations.
There were two agenda items related to this change. The first was to “discuss and consider a resolution authorizing the creation of the Brownfield Type B economic development corporation; approving a certificate of formation; and authorizing the preparation and execution of all documents necessary to create the corporations.”
This item did pass with some discussion regarding the current board of directors of BIDCorp. A Type B corporation will have seven members, and BIDCorp currently has five, as per the bylaws. It was decided that all current BIDCorp Board members would continue to serve on the new Type B corporation, as well as the Mayor (Eric Horton) and a councilman. It was decided that Councilwoman Mary Valdonado would serve on this board. It was again affirmed that current Executive Director of BIDCorp, Gina Kelly, would continue to serve the Type B board in that same capacity.
The next item was a long legal description which basically stated that the City of Brownfield would call a special election to take place on May 3, 2025 to submit the idea to the voters to abolish the Type A corporation, and use the same sales tax levied to fund the Type B corporation projects. It was pointed out that no changes would take place in the current sales tax rate. The same rate used by the current BIDCorp would be used by the Type B corporation. Again, there would be no change in any tax rat with this change.
With these agenda items passing the council, work will now begin toward getting ready for the election and making sure that all citizens are aware of what this change will mean for the citizens of Terry County. Executive Director Kelly stated, “We are excited to move forward with this change. I am approached regularly by retailers interested in moving to Brownfield. With this change, we will be able to offer these retailers financial help, if needed, and will be better able to help Brownfield grow. I will be happy to go speak to clubs and organizations to get the word out on what a positive thing this will be for Brownfield.”
Other agenda items included the Quarterly Reports from the City of Brownfield Director of Utilities, Cat Gonzalez, and the City of Brownfield Director of Water and Wastewater, James Nix.
Gonzalez stated that the recent power outages were mainly due to wildlife hitting transformers. These are things that cannot be avoided. The electric crew was praised for their hard work during these outages.
Both reports were approved.
Other agenda items included “discuss and and consider an Interlocal agreement between the City of Brownfield and South Plains Association of Governments for the 2025/2026 Texas Community Development Block Grant Application.”
And, “discuss and consider action on application resolution for the City of Brownfield 2025/2026 Texas Community Development Block Grant Application.”
Councilman Marshall Martell opened a discussion on being able to use some of these grant monies toward low to moderate income housing. Councilman Pope stated that he agreed that this would be an appropriate use of these grants. This will be looked at if the grants are awarded.
Both these items were passed by the Council.
The Council then went into Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.071 consultation with attorney about pending contemplated litigation or where the duties of the attorney under the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct conflict with Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code.
And, “Executive Session in accordance with Section 551.086 certain Public Power Utilities: Competitive Matters – Power Purchase Agreement.”
Upon returning from Executive Session, no action was taken.
