The Saxe City Council convened late Tuesday evening to address several key agenda items, primarily focusing on economic development initiatives and accountability measures related to municipal spending.
The meeting began with discussions stemming from an executive session regarding personnel matters related to the municipal court prosecutor, but no action was taken on this item. The council then moved to consider financial incentives for Project RWBY, a development initiative that has raised questions among residents about its economic benefits. Local resident Marty Hobo expressed concerns regarding the project's accountability, asking for clarity on the expected economic gains and the criteria for measuring success. He emphasized the need for transparency, stating, \"You all just give away money, and there is no accountability.\"
Despite the concerns raised, the council authorized the city manager to negotiate and execute an incentive agreement for Project RWBY, with a vote that saw one council member, Mr. Millsap, dissenting.
The council then shifted focus to the 5th Street District project, which has already seen an investment of $6 million. Hobo again voiced his frustrations, questioning the lack of accountability and the financial viability of the project. He demanded to know how long it would take for the city to recoup its investment and criticized the council for not providing clear financial goals. \"You're wasting my money, and you don't answer any questions,\" he stated.
In response to the ongoing concerns, the council moved to authorize the city manager to negotiate a master developer agreement for the 5th Street District, which passed with Mr. Millsap again voting against it.
The meeting concluded with a mid-year review of the city manager, but no action was taken on this item either. The session adjourned shortly after 10 PM, leaving residents with lingering questions about the city's financial decisions and future development plans.