4B board proposes $50,000 amendment to fund DoubleTree amenities; vote not recorded

Speaker 1 presented a proposal to amend the FY2025 4B budget to add $50,000 to a previously approved $75,000 allocation for amenities at DoubleTree, creating a one-time $125,000 purchase. Speaker 1 said the 4B board had previously approved $75,000 and that council had suggested consolidating next year’s $50,000 into this year because of adequate balances; the amendment is being brought forward so the purchase can be considered on the council agenda next week.

Speaker 2 (Ken) asked for clarification about "4B." Speaker 1 explained 4B is a local sales-tax increment authorized for economic development and, in Highland Village’s case, was expanded by voters to include parks and recreation; the city collects a half-cent sales-tax increment and the 4B fund must be used for its stated purposes. Speaker 3 and Speaker 1 discussed that the voter authorization further restricted allowable uses (initially focused on trail systems and soccer facilities), and that after projects are completed there is the option to ask voters to reduce the tax or reallocate proceeds. Speaker 1 said the city issued debt on behalf of 4B because it was cheaper than direct 4B issuance, with repayment structured from 4B revenues; debt-service commitments affect future flexibility.

No final vote on the proposed $50,000 amendment appears in the transcript. The record presented ends with discussion about the scope of 4B use, debt issuance, and the possibility of pursuing voter action to change the tax or its allocation. If council approves the purchase item on its agenda next week, the transcript indicates the 4B process would require coordination to keep approvals in order.