Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nueces County approves consultant contract for new development commission, authorizes lease talks
Summary
The Nueces County Commissioners Court approved a personal services contract for consultant John Bridal to support the Nueces County Development Commission (NCDC) and authorized the county attorney to continue negotiating lease terms for office space near the courthouse; the Port of Corpus Christi pledged $90,000 in special revenue to help fund the effort.
The Nueces County Commissioners Court voted Feb. 26 to approve a personal services contract to bring in consultant John Bridal to advise the newly formed Nueces County Development Commission. Judge Canales said Bridal has been advising the commission pro bono and the contract will fund his services to launch operations while the commission seeks permanent staffing. "He's been helping the NCDC, free of charge, and assisting us," the judge said during the meeting.
Cindy Barrera, speaking for the NCDC, described the commission's mission to "encourage and facilitate countywide collaboration to create a world class community," said the board was seeking office space close to the courthouse and asked the court to approve Bridal as a consultant and support locating staff and an office. Barrera said the Port of Corpus Christi has agreed to an allocation and the NCDC has secured some initial funds through a port partnership.
Commissioners asked whether local candidates were considered; Barrera said a posting had not been issued and the commission wanted someone to start immediately. Several commissioners said they supported the immediate hire but viewed the consultant role as a bridge to a potential full-time county position. John Bridal described his background in economic development and said he expected to mentor a local hire.
The court approved the contract on a voice vote and then authorized the county attorney to continue negotiating a lease for office space and bring a final agreement back to commissioners for ratification. Judge Canales said the Port had provided $90,000 in special revenue for the program and that the first-year personal services contract would be just under $50,000. "So for now, commissioner, no money needed at this moment," the judge said, noting the funds are already in the special revenue account.
The court and NCDC members said they will seek additional fundraising and potential county budget contributions in future cycles and required regular reporting back to the commissioners.
