During Tuesday morning’s meeting, the Brownwood City Council authorized City Manager Marshal McIntosh to sign an amendment to an interlocal agreement with Tarleton State University to provide field office space for the Small Business Development Center.

The Small Business Development Center (SBDC), based out of Tarleton State University, has a long history of providing small business services in Brownwood. The SBDC provides important tools for small businesses such as consulting, business plan development, workshops and training at no cost.

Because of demand for their services, in 2017 the SBDC hired a full-time employee to serve Brown County. With that hire, the City provided office space for them on the second floor of the Harvey House building. Staff changes in 2021 caused this office to become vacant and the City’s agreement with them at the time expired.

The SBDC currently has a full-time person for their business analyst position and for use of this office space.

The proposed amendment to interlocal agreement will provide them with office space in the Harvey House with use of the common areas for an additional two-year term, through August 2028.

During the citizen presentations portion of the meeting, Jeff Smith addressed the impending repaving of Elizabeth Drive. He brought to the attention of the Council a drainage problem near the intersection of Elizabeth and Pasadena, and also requested the Council look into placing stop signs along the roadway in an effort to curtail excessive speeds.

Following an executive session, no action was taken regarding Brownwood Municipal Police Association Meet and Confer Contract negotiations.