Crockett council approves 30-day termination of economic development consultant; allows her to attend FTZ summit during notice period

Crockett — The City of Crockett on Monday approved issuing a 30-day written notice terminating the consulting contract between the Crockett Economic and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) and consultant Nancy Windham, while directing that Windham may represent the city at an upcoming Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) legislative summit during the notice period.

The action came after council discussion about ongoing work on a possible FTZ application, the consultant's role in pursuing that work and the logistics and costs of representation in Washington, D.C. The motion to give Windham written notice also included direction that she be permitted to attend FTZ-related events during the 30-day period before the contract ends. Council members moved and seconded the motion and the mayor declared it carried; no roll-call vote tally was read during the meeting.

Why it matters: The consultant has been the public face of the FTZ effort, a multi-step application process the city hopes will help local businesses avoid duplicate tariffs. Council members said having representation at the FTZ summit could bolster the city’s chances of advancing an application and meeting with congressional staffers about projects important to the region.

In discussion, councilmembers and staff noted that Windham’s contract allows reimbursement of up to $300 without additional board approval; beyond that limit the board would need to approve travel expenses. One councilmember referenced an estimated $6,000 figure for travel and lodging, which was presented as a planning estimate for anybody attending the summit.

Council members debated whether to send Windham, an existing CIDC staff member familiar with the FTZ work (identified in discussion as having served on the project previously) or another representative. Supporters said Windham has longstanding relationships and direct experience with legislative contacts; others said if city staff remain available they could represent the city instead.

Related CIDC items paused: Separately, the council and the CIDC board deferred (tabled) two agenda items related to the corporation’s dissolution and a proposed interlocal agreement between the CIDC and the city. The items had been scheduled for executive session consultation with legal counsel under Government Code §551.071 but were tabled after the corporation’s attorney became unavailable because of a family bereavement. Council members said the attorney’s absence left the city without final documents or the legal briefing needed to proceed.

Next steps: The council indicated it intends to revisit the CIDC dissolution and interlocal-agreement items once counsel can brief the council; staff said they expect the issue to return at the next regular meeting. The termination notice to Windham will run for 30 days from the date of written notice; the city recorded no further details about personnel or contract follow-up during the meeting.