Tomball EDC approves several incentive requests; council debates EDC procurement transparency and reporting

TOMBALL, Texas — The Tomball Economic Development Corporation (TEDC) brought a package of economic incentives and project actions to the council on July 21, and council members used the meeting to press TEDC leaders on procurement standards, reporting and transparency.

What the TEDC sought and what council approved Council considered multiple TEDC items on first reading and approved them on the consent agenda or by separate votes: facade and interior improvement grants to support Old Town property upgrades, rental‑incentive performance agreements for small businesses, a rental incentive for a manufacturer (Cloward Manufacturing) moving into a new industrial space, and a proposed designation and project name for the TEDC’s redevelopment purchase of the former First Baptist Church. Key items included: - A proposed facade/interior improvement grant to Russell Blue to convert 414 East Main into a boxing/cigar lounge concept (project investment $216,000; TEDC performance agreement up to 50% of eligible costs not to exceed $50,000). BRE (Business Retention & Expansion committee) conditionally approved the application; final funding requires EDC board and council approval. - A facade grant request from Jennifer LeMaster to convert a 70‑year‑old Raymond Street house into…