County tables ECPFC decision

Jul. 9--The Commissioners' Court tabled a resolution today that sought to create the Ector County Public Facility Corporation.

The purpose of ECPFC would be to provide for the financing, refinancing, acquisition and construction of public facilities. The proposed nonprofit public corporation would create another avenue for economic development including, but not limited to, single-family and multi-family housing.

ECPFC could also be utilized to add commercial development to areas beyond city limits.

Odessa Housing Finance Corporation Executive Director Jill Miller and Bill Fowler, an Odessa attorney, presented information to commissioners and said that the corporation's activities would not impact the county budget.

The resolution states that any contracts, agreements, bonds or other debt instruments will be solely payable from the revenues and funds received by ECPFC from pursued projects.

ECPFC is authorized to issue bonds; however, no bonds, notes, interim certificates or other debt may be issued by the corporation unless first approved by the Commissioners' Court, the certificate of formation outlined.

"The developer would take on the major expenses," Fowler said. "The idea of this is to create a way for the county to participate in economic development when those opportunities arise."

Precinct 2 Commissioner Greg Simmons supported authorizing and approving the creation of the corporation.

"I think it's definitely something we ought to move toward," he said.

Simmons said ECPFC would operate similar to the Odessa Housing Finance Corporation, but "that entity is limited to only city limits so if we establish this or allow this group to move forward with their idea it would allow that same type of opportunity to exist outside of city limits for development."

Miller said the corporation is another economic tool for Ector County to utilize, but it has to be formed before anything can happen. She said if commissioners approve the resolution the next step will be to speak with potential developers.

County commissioners will review documentation and consider who might be placed on the corporation's board of directors in the next two weeks.

An error previously included on the certificate of formation incorrectly stated six initial directors, including OHFC board members and City Manager Michael Marrero, would oversee the board, but leadership has not been determined at this time.

IN OTHER BUSINESS, COMMISSIONERS:

* Approved a resolution for the August Unified Transportation Plan (UTP) revision.

* Accepted a donation of $100,000 from Bustin for Badges for the Ector County Sheriff's Office.

* Accepted a donation of $200 from Quinton Kelley for the Ector County Sheriff's Office.

* Accepted a donation of a White's VX3 Spectra Series Metal Detector from Royce Underwood for the Ector County Sheriff's Office.

* Approved the purchase of two ovens in the amount of $5,944.66 for the Ector County Youth Center.

* Approved a request from the Entrench Civil Contractors, Inc. to close a section of N. Canyon Avenue along 16th Street in Precinct 1 for Ocotillo Park Waterline Installation.

* Approved the following bid specification: Highways and Streets -- Metal Shed Covers for Equipment Option No. 2.

* Extended the termination date of the Flexible Benefits Plan Document and Summary Plan description of the Cafeteria Plan being administered by American Fidelity Assurance Company on behalf of Ector County in compliance with IRS Code Section 125 to Sept. 30, 2019.

* Extended the termination date for the Subscription Agreement between Ector County and American Fidelity Assurance Company until Sept. 30, 2019.

* Rejected reclassifying two senior deputies.

* Approved a motion to table discussion allowing any Ector County employee who opts out of county-provided health and dental insurance to receive a monthly stipend as well as participate in the Employee Wellness Center provided the employee takes an annual Health Risk Assessment (HRA) within 60 days of opting out.

* Approved a motion to table the implementation of a Jailer sign-on bonus promotion program, effective Oct. 1, 2019 and will further discuss adopting a Repayment Agreement if the employee terminated with Ector County in less than one year from date of hire.

* Approved Subdivision Gardendale Industrial being a 20.665 acre tract of land situated in Section 5, Block 41, T-1-S, T&P RR Ector County, Texas.

* Approved a line item transfer to FMLR fund, Road Maintenance, Department

* Furniture and Equipment, 002-810-5199 for $990 from Road Maintenance, Shop Supplies,

* 002-810-5191.

* Approved a budget amendment to Coliseum Capital Improvement Fund, Stall Barn,

* Professional Services, 043-861-5307 for $140,596 and to Stall Barn, New Building, 043-861-5503 for $3,738,000 from Coliseum Capital Improvement Fund, Unreserved Fund Balance, 043-3310 for $3,878,596.

* Approved the Accounts Payable Fund Requirements Report for July 9, 2019.

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