James Campbell, Executive Director of the Brownwood Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), reported to the Brownwood City Council on Tuesday morning that the West Central Texas Council of Governments (WCTCOG) is working on placing a Small Business Administration 504 Loan Center in Brownwood and is seeking grant money to develop a Women’s Business Center as well.
This new SBA office will be located at Newman Hall of Howard Payne University and will provide SBA 504 loans to the region which stretches as far as San Angelo.
“We’re excited that the West Central Texas Council of Governments chose Brownwood as the host city for this project,” stated Campbell.
Campbell explained that the center will provide programs for Brownwood that will be able to offer help to the small businesses in our area.
“I want to express to James and the BEDC our appreciation of their tremendous support and help in developing a base of industry and business here in Brownwood,” stated Councilman Eddie Watson.
Campbell pointed out that this is the reason the WCTCOG chose Brownwood to host the project because there is such a strong base of business and industry.
The WCTCOG is wrapping up the hiring process for the Small Business Administration office and will have their new office up and running in a few weeks. The Women’s Business Center is awaiting grant approval before it can move forward. If the grant is approved as expected, its office will also be located at Howard Payne.
The city council also passed a resolution approving the 2010/2011 BEDC budget that Campbell presented. It was also noted that the BEDC finalized its financial commitment of $6 million for the Parks and Recreation Project which included the new Camp Bowie Family Aquatic Center, Coliseum Annex Renovations, and the Camp Bowie Sports Complex.
Brownwood Mayor Stephen Haynes also appointed Ryan Reagan and Mark Bessent to each serve a 3 year term on the BEDC board.
In other matters on the Brownwood City Council agenda:
*On second and third/final readings the city unanimously approved an ordinance setting charges, fee rates, and deposits for customers on the Brownwood water, sewer and sanitation system.
*Unanimous approval was also given on second and third/final readings of an ordinance setting the charges for fees, rentals, licenses and permits for the City of Brownwood.
*Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was unanimously approved as a city holiday, which will provide city employees with a total of ten annual holidays.
*A resolution was unanimously approved authorizing the City Manager to execute an agreement with TxDOT for temporary closure of FM 2524 (Austin Avenue) at the intersection of Fisk Avenue for the Howard Payne Homecoming Parade.
*Council unanimously approved the budget ordinance on second and third/final readings and ratified the proposed tax increase in the budget, which is an increase of the effective tax rate of $0.07452/$100 valuation, a 0.3% increase in the tax rate.
*An ordinance established in 2008 closing and vacating a portion of N. Broadway (between the storage buildings and the Crazy Lemon) was rescinded by the council in a unanimous vote. This will allow ingress and egress to a warehouse located at 401 S. Broadway.
*Council unanimously approved a resolution authorizing submission of a grant application for a Texas Community Development Block Grant to replace failing sewer mains and authorizing the City Manager to represent the city on such contracts. The amount of the grant application is $275,000 and the target area is San Benito Drive and Santa Clara Drive.
*City Manager, Bobby Rountree recognized that Fire Prevention Week is approaching. October 2nd through 14th Firefighters will educate school children and show them fire trucks and equipment. Last year 2500 children were involved locally in Fire Prevention Week.
Rountree also spoke of National Night Out, October 5th, which promotes neighborhood awareness and crime prevention. 36 block parties are planned for the event as of the time of the report.
*Parks and Recreation Project report, given by the city manager, noted that the holes for light poles have been drilled and all concession stands have been decked. Sod work will begin in October. Backstops are partially installed as are sidewalks and benches.
“By the end of October, it’s going to look like a real sports complex,” stated Rountree.
Rountree also reported that the flooring manufacturer came to repair the floor in the Senior Citizens Center and most of the problem is corrected. Some areas are still not securely glued down, but that the manufacturer will return to finish the repairing the problem.
Photo: James Campbell (right) briefs the Brownwood City Council on the new Small Business Administration office that will be opening on Howard Payne Campus.
