After a call to order, invocation, and pledge of allegiance, the Early City Council quickly addressed Matters of New Business.

On the first agenda item, The City of Early voted to approve TxDOT Brownwood District’s application to the 2023 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA) call for projects. This is a grant through Transportation Alternative that is for sidewalks, bike paths, and pathways. Early can request the Texas Department of Transportation to apply for the City of Early. They can have the Brownwood Texas Department of Transportation district apply for the grant that will add sidewalks to Early Boulevard between 183 North and 183 South. If awarded the grant, TxDOT would take care of all the engineering and construction. Early has transportation credits so they will not have to pay any money.

Then, the Council approved participation in the Texas Smart Buy Membership Program. Early Police Chief Mercer explained that this is the only organization where police can get blood kits for DWIs. Texas Department of Public Safety is regulating that police buy from this organization. But there needs to be a council resolution to buy from them.

In the Administrator’s Report, Tony Aaron hinted at economic development prospects for the City of Early.