During Tuesday afternoon’s meeting of the Brownwood Municipal Development District Board of Directors, the 2023-24 Fiscal Year Audit and 2025-26 Fiscal Year Budget were both approved by unanimous vote.

Regarding the audit, the BMDD received a “clean opinion” as presented by Chris Pruitt of Pattillo, Brown & Hill, LLP, the highest that can be offered.

Among the highlights of the 2025-26 fiscal year budget, which will not be approved until the end of September by the Brownwood City Council, is $250,000 toward parks and recreation.

BMDD Executive Director Ray Tipton told the Board that money could be used to potentially assist with Phase II of the Riverside Park improvements. An extended walking trail or an overlook of the Pecan Bayou are possible options for funding consideration.

Tipton also stated a portion of the money could be used to help construct a pavilion at the Central Texas Veterans Memorial, where funds are currently being raised and donations are being accepted for that project, which is estimated to cost around $250,00.

For the current fiscal year, the City of Brownwood has received $130,000 more than its projected budgeted total in sales tax revenue thus far.

The sale of land to Central Texas Truck and Trailer in the light industrial park has been finalized, with that $20,000 sum going toward the BMDD.

On Oct. 1, the terms of board members Jon Oplotnik and Daniel Hutson expire. Oplotnik is eligible to be reappointed to the Board, while Hutson has served the max amount of time. Board members were asked to provide Tipton with suggestions for a replacement for Hutson.

Tipton also informed the Board there are two finalists for the role of Assistant Director of Economic Development & Tourism, and the role will soon be filled.

Following an executive session, the Board also approved Building Improvement Incentive Program grants not to exceed $25,000 to Sliger’s Market for a property  located at 2909 Coggin Ave., and to 2MK Enterprises, Inc. for a property located at 305 Center Ave. The BMDD Board also approved an updated financial incentive to TABAT Properties, LTD for a retail complex.