BRA increases Lake Limestone budget and authorizes up to $1.5M for consultants, legal work to resolve Tanner Gate completion

At the Nov. 17 meeting the Brazos River Authority took two actions related to Lake Limestone’s Tanner Gate project: first, staff presented a timing correction moving $440,052 from FY2026 back into FY2025 to account for an accrualed engineering invoice; second, after executive session the board authorized the general manager/CEO to expend up to $1,500,000 on engineering, consulting, expert‑witness and legal services to pursue completion or resolution of the Tanner Gate work and approved a matching $1,500,000 budget increase (raising the Lake Limestone project total to $5,186,948).

Michelle Giroir explained the $440,052 item was a book entry accrual — no cash was spent beyond the previously board‑approved total — and staff will not pay the invoiced amount until the board approves the amendment. The resolution to correct the FY‑timing was adopted with one abstention recorded (Director Taylor).

Later, after a closed session that included consultation with counsel on the Tanner Gate project, the board authorized contracting up to $1.5M in outside services for mediation, litigation or settlement activities to pursue or resolve the project and adopted a $1.5M budget increase. Director Lloyd moved the litigation/consultant authorization and the board approved the measure; one director abstained on the vote as recorded in the roll call.

Staff said the litigation/consulting authorization is intended to allow the authority to engage necessary experts and counsel to either complete the project or pursue dispute resolution as appropriate; funds will come from a budget amendment to FY2026 Lake Limestone capital improvements.