The Brownwood City Council met on Tuesday morning in regular session and kicked things off by hearing from several people regarding an alcoholic beverage regulation.
Currently, the state of Texas has a statute prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages in night clubs after midnight Monday thru Friday and after 1am on Sunday morning. That statute does allow cities to extend this time to 2am Sunday morning if they wish to.
Tequila Nights Club President Eddie Lopez requested in a letter and in person to have the regulation changed to allow the sale of alcoholic beverages in Brownwood through night clubs until 2am. Lopez presented to council that the extension of the time to 2am would not only help his business but would possibly help generate more sales tax revenue for the city and give people a organized place to go instead of private parties.
Sergeant Jason Shea from the Texas Department of Public Safety addressed the council and said that he believed extending the hours for clubs to operate would increase calls for law enforcement and would not help tax revenue.
Paul Morgan from the Texas Alcohol Beverage Commission mirrored Shea’s comments on the subject.
Assistant Police Chief Gary Page from the Brownwood Police Department spoke and said, “We are opposed to this.” He stated that it would increase the work load for local law enforcement as it would not only allow Tequila Nights Club to sell alcohol until 2am, but it would also allow it in all night clubs in the city.
After listening to all parties, the council decided not to consider an ordinance to extend the hours for alcohol sales by a 4-1 vote.
In other city council business:
–The city passed an ordinance authorizing the city to refinance existing bonds. Doing this would save the city about an average $28,000 per year in interest.
–The city awarded the construction bid for the Family Aquatic Center Bath House to the Fain Construction Group from Ft. Worth for $512,086.
–The city approved a rental contract for the use of the Coliseum to Howard Payne University for the 2009/2010 Volleyball & Basketball seasons for $26,603.65.
–The city approved a new lease to Lamar Outdoor Advertising for a new digital billboard. It is a graduated lease for 20 years paying the city $8000 for years 1-5, $8800 for years 6-10, $9680 for years 11-15 and $10,648 for years 16-20.
–Financial officer Walter Middleton reported that the city was within 99% of budget for the last fiscal year on revenue and 96% of expenses.
–Middleton also reported that the city spent more on the Brownwood Reunion Celebration this year over previous years by contributing $37,000 out of pocket and $5735 in facility use.
–City Manager Bobby Rountree reported that renovations on City Hall are moving forward as the roof repair is complete and painting of the exterior has begun. He also reported that Cell 11 at the city landfill is ready for use.
