WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS TO MULL INTERLOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH CITY OF BRENHAM

  

Washington County Commissioners will potentially approve a new interlocal agreement with the City of Brenham for economic development services at their meeting Tuesday.

Commissioners will first consider terminating the existing agreement between the county and the city from March 19^th, before approving a new agreement that would become effective January 1, 2021.

According to the agenda packet, the two entities find it would be advantageous to support a “unified economic development organization” to be known as the Brenham | Washington County Economic Development Organization (BWEDO).

The city’s economic development director would serve as the director of the organization, which would manage economic development projects with the goal of “securing suitable and sustainable projects for capital investment and job creation in Brenham and Washington County.”  The organization is intended to serve as a “unifying vehicle that identifies partners in economic development and creates a framework for future collaboration,” working alongside the Brenham Economic Development Foundation (BEDF), Brenham Community Development Corporation (BCDC), Cities of Brenham and Burton, Brenham and Burton ISDs, Blinn College, and other local entities.

Per the agreement, both the city and the county would financially support special projects when the two jointly deem them to be beneficial to the activities of the BWEDO, through funding by the BCDC and/or city general funds at the city’s discretion.  Such projects would be funded at a 50-50 cost share by the city and county.

If approved, the county would designate a member of the Commissioners Court as the primary liaison for economic development activity in the county, and would support the efforts of development in the county with resources including an annual investment of $100,000 disbursed to the city.  It would also participate in the process of projects, including confidential project briefings.

The city would support the economic development director in allocating department time to manage the BWEDO, and would financially support the organization by funding the economic development department through the BCDC, general government revenues for administrative support, and provision of office space for economic development staff.

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners will consider an amended interlocal agreement between the county and local volunteer fire departments for fire protection services in the county.  If approved, the agreement will begin January 1^st and run through December 31, 2022.

Commissioners will also consider:

• A presentation of Chappell Ranchette Estates preliminary plat, a subdivision development consisting of 38 lots located in southeast Washington County fronting FM 1371.
• A proclamation naming the new community MH/IDD facility of MHMR Authority of Brazos Valley in Washington County in honor of former county judge Dorothy Morgan.
• Approval of a facility use agreement between the county and the Washington County Fair Association. The court will also consider approval of the updated Washington County Expo policy and pricing guide.
• Approval of EMS position descriptions for administrative assistant and aviation flight nurse rescuer.
• Formal notice for utility installation by NEWCWS-Corix Utilities, Inc. for a two-inch road bore and new water line at 8603 Little Rocky Road in Precinct One.
• A presentation from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent Kara Matheney.
• Monthly reports from the Sheriff’s Office, EMS, E-911, Information Technology, and Veterans Service Officer.

Commissioners will meet Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse Annex.