Pecos council ratifies Chapter 380 agreement and deed update for land held by Pecos 4B EDC; one member abstains

The Pecos City Council on Feb. 17 approved two companion measures that formalize a Chapter 380 economic-development agreement and update deed records for property previously conveyed to the Pecos 4B Economic Development Corporation.

City Manager Charles Leno told the council the documents are intended to "validate and verify" past transfers and create a statutory framework under Texas Local Government Code chapter 380 for future conveyances. He said the proposed agreement would memorialize a transfer that occurred in 2010 and accommodate an anticipated transfer of roughly 1,300 acres in the Westland area.

Leno told council members the Chapter 380 form includes reporting requirements and remedies designed to protect the city's interests if property "ceases to be used for a public purpose," and that the city would seek leases and other arrangements to capture sales or property tax revenue where possible. He also said the Economic Development Corporation had made commitments to support community events and other unspecified contributions, but staff did not provide quantified revenue projections at the meeting.

Several council members pressed for specific fiscal details and clearer explanations of the benefits the city and residents would receive. One council member urged developers to "share the wealth" by hiring local contractors and funding tangible projects such as parks rather than providing one-off donations.

Both resolutions were moved and seconded from the consent agenda. When the council voted on Resolution 26-02-08 R (the Chapter 380 agreement), Councilman Carrasco announced, "I abstain. I need more information." The mayor stated the motion carried with Councilman Carrasco abstaining. The companion Resolution 26-02-09 R, which amends and restates the deed to be recorded in Reeves County and designates officials to execute necessary instruments, passed by the same margin with Carrasco again recorded as abstaining.

Council members also debated how the city should engage with developers and the EDC going forward. Several asked that council representatives be included in confidential discussions conducted under non-disclosure agreements, requested plain-language briefings from staff, and suggested retaining outside consultants to ensure the city's negotiating position.

The council president said public notice of the approvals will be published in the newspaper within the next two weeks. The special meeting adjourned at 5:52 p.m.