17 - Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Board Appointments

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Item No. 17 memorandum TO: Mayor & City Council Gene Anderson, Interim City Manager FROM: Carla Easton, PE, Engineering & Community Development Director SUBJECT: TAX INCREMENT REINVESTMENT ZONE BOARD APPOINTMENTS DATE: December 2, 2019 BACKGROUND: In November 2019, the city council approved the creation of a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) to fund infrastructure projects in downtown. The next step is to appoint an advisory board to oversee the finance plan and make recommendations to the city council regarding projects. The board is also responsible for an annual report to the comptroller's office. STATUS OF ISSUE: The requirements for a seat on this board, per the Texas Tax Code, include being a resident of Lamar County or any adjacent county, or own real property within the TIRZ. The city clerk advertised for volunteers to serve on the TIRZ Board throughout November, and a single application was received. In order to fill seats and proceed with adoption of bylaws and board business, staff recommends that the council consider appointing either members of the council or city staff to serve on this board, at least for the first year. Until such time that the fund earns enough money to contribute to a project, there is little for the sitting members to take action on. We can re -advertise for volunteers with next year's board appointments schedule. Staff members who are interested in serving on this board include Gene Anderson, Interim Manager & Finance Director; Carla Easton, Community Development Director; and Cheri Bedford, Main Street Coordinator. BUDGET: NA. RECOMMENDATION: Appoint five members to the TIRZ Board.