[{"_1":2,"_109":-5,"_110":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6553822,"mediaKeyId","5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6","parentId",5065534,"title","EDC attorney outlines '60‑day' project‑creation notice; board debates streamlining and Island District priorities","audioSeconds",1880,"startMs",2876000,"endMs",4756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6&start=2876&end=4756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6/thumbnail_2876000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6553822/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/EDC-attorney-outlines-60day-projectcreation-notice-board-debates-streamlining-and-Island-District-priorities","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553822-9f4103e027bdd14c64d518c48363bce1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045015&Signature=P4Z1Aot4PF9fOW6K9VTYuxjH1ltcdTEqy2605A7Z626fwE7mYgPUNxpQ0xo-yizdzd5wRhnLbDBv68pgoKH1kXGNc2Sstr7n4CH1-pSK4~R1n82OgExJs5v6yve3KWN2GqUQghbizYvlJ8yBJ5FuB~zmBlNIe9kvVCAj0D9FHFGV217~T7CkzvpDjWrW8GYzU5HNa5aEuM0WXA9ULiniyt0TSrAzuJm6TgkmRMjI22Q3F6LvNv~QWpz6le9~sLkox~SlutcEQ6nkxHqzhGfkJ9J62fD3vCre-2p0kkio-6OIqb7h-K59mzNlTpqsQoOpJj60wGg7aKAqAuz6FxSYGw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Stafford","date","2025-06-24T00:00:00Z","article","Staff and the EDC attorney spent much of the June 24 meeting reviewing the procedural steps for creating EDC projects, public‑hearing notice timelines and options to reduce delays in moving approved budgeted projects into procurement and execution.

The attorney told the board the biggest procedural delay often arises from a statutory 60‑day publication period that begins when the project notice is published. The attorney advised that if a city identifies projects during the budget process and publishes the required notice in August/September, the 60‑day clock would run during the lead‑up to the Oct. 1 fiscal year start and staff could begin spending immediately when the budget becomes effective.

Board members discussed who must prepare and publish notices. Several members said the city has struggled to publish notices because of staff turnover and vacant positions (public works director, economic developer). Multiple members recommended contracting out short administrative tasks if city staff cannot get notices posted, with one board member advising the EDC budget should include a professional‑services line to retain outside assistance when positions are unfilled.

The board also discussed a longstanding set of Island District needs — sidewalk gaps, drainage/ditch issues and unfinished curbs — and whether to treat those as incremental maintenance or a multi‑year redevelopment program. Some members urged a phased redevelopment and land‑banking strategy tied to a long‑range plan; others wanted a focused first step: pay for engineering and cost estimates to scope projects before committing large sums. Staff said the professional‑services budget line (typically $100,000) could fund an initial assessment; members suggested raising that amount in the next budget amendment if the board directs a larger study or land‑banking program.

No final vote was taken on a single Island District project or a specific funding increase at the meeting. The attorney and staff said they will return with a sample resolution and proposed schedule so the board can consider publishing notices on identified projects in time to have the 60‑day period run during August–September and permit spending effective Oct. 1.

Why this matters: SEDC’s ability to expedite capital work often depends on correctly publishing project‑creation notices and coordinating with the city’s budget calendar. Ensuring notice publication and clarifying responsibility for that task can significantly shorten the time between board approval and project execution.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Stafford - Economic Development Corporation - Jun 24, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Staff and the EDC attorney reviewed statutory notice rules and options to publish project creation notices during the budget cycle to avoid a separate 60‑day delay.","taxTitle","Stafford, Fort Bend County, Texas","taxId",69474,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553827,"SEDC reports $20.3 million portfolio, fund balances higher than last year",210,79000,289000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6&start=79&end=289","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6/thumbnail_79000.jpg","/articles/6553827/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/SEDC-reports-203-million-portfolio-fund-balances-higher-than-last-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553827-9fa748adfceacd3acd66256bb03ca1ea/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045015&Signature=BkYS2APmnCKfdDR79Qg0himogcFqOG4xvhfQgvQce1Zo-sZXKFc2NFI6Pobvsm2VA6zUtoHc-Ed7X2tQe1UHX-QVYRM2pSWHzBoVO6MwJwmqP0YYrPd8kxQqcGRb7QSjlQF6GQ38SsV1rUq3-fyphhP-zup3FvUnTfSFs7hNLJ0NxDA4RBP~xyLQ4FrnBbopPm~4b~XQQSJ99o9qzavfQBgp3aHG~V4sj1OzZ7RVZN~tqhDaMgQk~a8mjUoNX-5YVpL7SUi1S0-9nTG4zEpOadR5Kuf~MlW5KgQDbPsaqMSdcF0VvbjZmaqzBOdyvEmZDhnHoPrdSbQrZT-tO0pzfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Staff presented the Stafford Economic Development Corporation’s financial statements for the year-to-date period ending April 30, 2025, reporting a total portfolio of about $20.31 million and a year‑to‑date increase in fund balance compared with the prior year.

Miss Sharp, speaking for SEDC staff, said the total portfolio was $20,310,000, with roughly half invested in a government pool earning about 4.45%. She gave a breakdown of portfolio allocations: about $10.11 million (50%) in the government pool called Logic; $2.9 million (14%) in brokered CDs averaging 4.23%; $5.0 million (24%) in government agencies averaging 4.37%; $2.0 million (10%) in U.S. Treasuries averaging 3.75%; and the remainder (under $300,000, ~2%) in the depository bank earning about 2.58%. Sharp reported total interest received and deposited of $473,833 and interest accrued but not yet received of $84,403.

She described three SEDC funds. The operating fund’s primary revenue is sales tax; sales tax revenue for the period was about $3.7 million (net of rebates), 5.92% higher than the prior fiscal year. Year‑to‑date interest income for the operating fund was $195,336. Operating fund expenses totalled $2,041,136 and included services ($723,666), utilities ($26,731), marketing ($10,525), repairs for two pump stations ($12,797), and a transfer of $1,267,418 to the debt service fund to cover outstanding debt payments.

The debt service fund received the transfer of $1,267,418 and earned $37,940 in interest; the board was reminded of semiannual debt payments with the next principal-and-interest payment due Sept. 1. The capital projects fund reported total revenue of $1,635,912, driven mainly by a reimbursement from Lovett Agency for the Pike Road project (about $1,394,057) plus $241,162 in interest income. Capital project spending through the period was $1,699,902, largely for the Pike Road project; engineering fees to Jones Engineering were listed as $123,844 and construction costs at $1,576,058.

Sharp closed by offering to answer questions; the board had no substantive follow-up at that time.

Why this matters: SEDC’s portfolio allocations, fund balances and the transfer to the debt service fund affect the corporation’s borrowing and spending capacity. The figures the board received are preliminary (unaudited) year‑to‑date amounts and will be finalized through the audit process.","SEDC staff presented the corporation’s financial position through April 30, 2025: total cash and investments of about $20.31 million, fund‑balance increases versus the prior year and year‑to‑date revenue/expense breakdowns for operating, debt service and capital project funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":79,"_45":91,"_47":92,"_49":82,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553832,"Stafford Center requests $1.4 million in capital work; board approves adding request to 2025–26 budget",1104,1183000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6&start=79&end=1183","/articles/6553832/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Stafford-Center-requests-14-million-in-capital-work-board-approves-adding-request-to-202526-budget","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553832-92f145ec47a5566d1c1887ca9c0f3163/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045015&Signature=dKyne0LDjUJ5PWh0hA3W5GTjTzFObwbQH8N~Igq6ORuoZPflKH00dH69D4optqoGDjemmVDZ315lIHB54YXPoHX~vF5Y~Lq-tTJKxIOga82f8IYaWqswSyb5hydK2I4vfpLQQmNdU4rh10yAekd2f6Rue7lH0wCmhdpdp4cy~kBSmpb49z03vh1xT63BoqFh6HF-o2alR7GQrDQjmWO01OP~iewmWKn7mSVebYyVDqkBulIzHC2gv8xHgXhJ8Ksmzig~p4pfQcIyCNtjzkQ02CFaVe7Xe289XZQ4pnO-hOnYGWwuePjn8ceh2ZcyhcXNh-9FN7qvnwbmSRgWlRLLdA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford Economic Development Corporation on June 24 heard detailed capital and operations requests for the Stafford Center and voted to add the center’s funding request to the FY2025–26 budget.

Brian Blum, president of FM Squared, told the board the center needs a major roof replacement and listed other capital items and an umbrella reserve for repairs. “We’re requesting $1,100,000 for roof replacement,” Blum said, explaining contractors recommended a white membrane system that can be installed over the existing roof and that one higher-grade option would add about $69,000 but extend warranties and expected life. Blum also summarized smaller recurring and one‑time requests: a five‑year office-computer replacement line of roughly $20,000; an annual painting allowance of $25,000; theater equipment including a mixing console that would remove a frequent rental cost for visiting promoters; and a $125,000 umbrella capital line for HVAC, kitchen equipment and other major repairs.

Blum gave the board a broader budget figure for the center’s requests, saying, “I felt like asking for $1,405,000 this year.” He framed the major priorities as the roof and life-safety items such as roof hatches that serve theater rigging and smoke/toxic-venting systems.

Board members raised questions about the proposed capital work’s interaction with a larger Stafford Center master‑planning effort. Blum said proposed expansion work would be largely independent of the roof replacement because planned expansion would involve a separate roof structure over Festival Field 2. He recommended moving forward with the roof regardless of the expansion timeline: “We really don’t have the luxury of waiting,” he said.

Council and staff members also discussed the condition and purpose of the center’s generator. Blum and other staff said the existing, original generator can run lighting and limited outlets but cannot carry chillers; replacing it with a generator and the accompanying electrical upgrades that would support HVAC loads could cost more than $1 million for the generator alone, plus roughly $250,000–$300,000 in internal electrical work. Blum said the city has been pursuing grant opportunities for generator funding and that the generator is being maintained but is more than 20 years old.

Board members pressed staff on potential revenue gains from capital investments. Blum said installing a permanent, in‑house mixing/sound console and other theater improvements reduces the need for visiting promoters to rent equipment and could make the facility more competitive for acts. He also described interest in an LED stage wall; depending on size, Blum estimated an LED wall could cost about $125,000 with an estimated 4–5 year payback.

After discussion, a board member moved to add the Stafford Center’s request to the FY2025–26 budget. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor; the meeting minutes record the motion as carried.

Why this matters: the Stafford Center is a city-owned, revenue-generating facility. The board’s action authorizes staff to include the center’s capital and operating requests in next year’s budget process; spending and procurement steps will follow council approval and applicable public-notice requirements.

The board did not vote on specific contracts, vendor awards or construction scopes at the meeting; staff said detailed procurement, cost refinements and potential grant applications would come back to the board and to City Council before work begins.","Stafford Center operators asked the Stafford Economic Development Corporation to include roughly $1.4 million in next year’s budget for a new roof, theater equipment and an equipment reserve. The board voted to add the request to the FY2025–26 budget.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":100,"_43":101,"_45":102,"_47":103,"_49":104,"_51":105,"_53":106,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":107,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":108,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6553818,"Votes at a glance: key actions taken by the Stafford EDC on June 24, 2025",2023,375000,2398000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6&start=375&end=2398","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5065534-c65c3a1f68d3b1697f114a41734edef6/thumbnail_375000.jpg","/articles/6553818/Stafford/Fort-Bend-County/Texas/Votes-at-a-glance-key-actions-taken-by-the-Stafford-EDC-on-June-24-2025","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6553818-206bc3651f28075499aaed1586fd1b1a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771045015&Signature=Ms6kHRz1tjWhvMXyEWZbktgZJpI6XBBytRtZGfOLpliR7haXKWn8v9lERJtw8uwvO3PxHsAU9FeJXI~-R-gDZVSWdsOG5j8sV7E5teGpJWu-GtRIGdLA9rvtS1cn~aUa5K7mlTx7qWZA7iHtO3j2UuZFDRFNd45sDIvU~aJ7P6tb0OgkYIGnUq4FKawiV6Rk0gGK2yqSPv3lPnZfkitQ59H-hutwQfJ8WP~ZLndA8OOl9pat1Qy5C-rtmHAXEdHWX-1047-xYpxafIsZ3B-GEELc9S8mp5U7AXbw4dL9I8n2uU4qKuYgHGUaW1iepqQNiPSio7xL51~yWdS59NtabQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Stafford Economic Development Corporation recorded several procedural and budget actions at its June 24 meeting. Below are the motions shown in the meeting record and their outcomes.

• Combine agenda items 5 and 11 for presenter continuity — Motion carried. (Procedural.)

• Add the Stafford Center capital request to the FY2025–26 budget — Motion carried. The board approved adding the center’s funding request to next year’s budget so staff can pursue procurement options, refine costs and report back. The vote was recorded as “Motion carries.”

• Authorize an umbrella maintenance budget figure for the U.S. 59 / U.S. 90 corridors — Motion carried. The board directed staff to budget an umbrella figure of $450,000 for corridor maintenance in the upcoming budget cycle; discussion clarified that this umbrella is a pre‑allocation and does not require immediate expenditure.

• Approve a cellular phone allocation for the assistant city secretary (charged to SEDC for SEDC‑related use) — Motion carried. Staff estimated about $40 per month; remaining FY2024–25 months’ cost was estimated at roughly $120 with an annualized FY2025–26 cost of about $480.

• Approve minutes of the May 27, 2025 regular meeting — Motion carried.

• Adjournment motion — Motion carried.

Notes on voting: The meeting transcript records motions and that motions were seconded and carried, but no roll‑call tally list of yes/no votes was provided in the audio transcript; individual member votes were not recorded by name in the minutes excerpt provided. The board directed staff to return with resolutions, schedules and any required budget amendments or procurement items at future meetings as needed.","A quick summary of motions and outcomes recorded at the Stafford Economic Development Corporation meeting on June 24, 2025, including budget additions and maintenance umbrella authorizations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

EDC attorney outlines '60‑day' project‑creation notice; board debates streamlining and Island District priorities

SEDC reports $20.3 million portfolio, fund balances higher than last year

Stafford Center requests $1.4 million in capital work; board approves adding request to 2025–26 budget

Votes at a glance: key actions taken by the Stafford EDC on June 24, 2025