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Breckenridge adds Elm Street paving to downtown CDBG project; city authorizes TWDB water loan application and selects engineering firm for CDBG work
Summary
Commissioners approved amending a 2022 Texas CDBG downtown revitalization grant to add street improvements on West Elm Street, authorized an application to the Texas Water Development Board for water-loss projects and approved negotiations with EHT for engineering services on a 2025–26 CDBG project.
At its Jan. 7 meeting, the Breckenridge City Commission approved amending the city's 2022 Texas Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) downtown revitalization contract to add street improvements on West Elm Street from North Rose to North McCamous and discussed how that work will dovetail with planned water-line repairs.
City staff said the original downtown revitalization grant included sidewalk and ADA work near Elm and Rose and north of the courthouse and that about $150,000 remains in engineering funds; the commission authorized adding paving for Elm from Rose to McCamous as an eligible activity under the existing grant. The staff report noted the city will wait to pave until water-line and wastewater work tied to a Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) loan/grant are completed.
During a public hearing on the CDBG amendment, Christian Boswell of Public Management explained the purpose of the hearing is to solicit comment on adding street reconstruction and electrical improvements to the project. No members of the public signed up to speak.
The commission also authorized staff to apply for a TWDB financial assistance package to address water-loss projects, a program the manager described as offering up to roughly $5.7 million with a favorable grant-to-loan ratio (staff cited 75% grant eligible but noted exact terms depend on the program). Commissioners approved a resolution authorizing the application.
Separately, the commission reviewed procurement results for engineering services for a 2025–26 CDBG project; staff reported multiple proposals were received and the scoring committee recommended selecting EHT. The commission authorized city management to negotiate an agreement with EHT as the top-ranked firm.
Staff said the city applied again for a splash pad grant but did not make the cut and will attempt to reapply after receiving score details from the grant consultant. No additional appropriations were approved at the meeting; staff said any cost overages on the Elm Street paving would be covered from city funds (CO funds) if required.
Action taken: the commission approved the CDBG contract amendment, authorized the TWDB application and authorized staff to negotiate a contract with EHT for engineering services.
