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Brownsville council approves interim Ward 1 appointment, audit contract and routine measures; discusses IDB land repurchase
Summary
Council approved a slate of routine items including the interim appointment of Joe Crook to Ward 1, audit contract totaling $49,500, bank signature updates and a permit for the Blues Festival; members also discussed an Industrial Development Board offer to repurchase land from ENIM.
The Brownsville city council handled several routine approvals and a substantive economic development discussion during its regular meeting.
In votes: the council approved minutes from March meetings, confirmed a recommended appointment to the local authority/board, approved Resolution 1114 to update bank signature cards, appointed Joe Crook as interim Ward 1 representative and approved an audit contract and a roadblock permit for the annual Blues Festival.
Interim Ward 1 appointment: Joe Crook was nominated and approved to fill the Ward 1 vacancy through the special election in June. Council members described Crook’s background — residence on Robin Street, family, prior service including the Tennessee Highway Patrol and church leadership — and he was sworn in at the meeting. Crook said he looked forward to serving “these few months” and was not seeking to run in the imminent election.
Audit contract and city finances: staff presented a contract for the fiscal year audit (FY2025–26) with Alexander/Thompson (Evans & Thompson referenced in discussion). The stated audit fee was $46,000 plus an additional $3,500 for counsel/crosswalk work, for a total of $49,500. A council member noted audits are required by the controller’s office and support transparency. The council approved the contract by voice vote.
Signature-card housekeeping: Resolution 1114, which adds Brad Bishop to the city’s bank signature cards and removes Carolyn Black and Travis Pew from the accounts at Simmons Bank and South Bank, was approved after a motion and second with no objections.
Blues Festival permit: Officials approved a roadblock permit for the 16th annual Blues Festival (May 23–24). Staff outlined street closures, anticipated hours (7 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days), a Corvette show on Saturday and a kickoff event on Friday in Uptown; organizers provided proof of insurance.
Economic development discussion — IDB and ENIM land repurchase: during the financial update councilors questioned whether proceeds from any Industrial Development Board (IDB) land divestiture would return to community development funds. Staff explained ENIM purchased the site years earlier, partial proceeds went to city and county, and the state provided a fast-track grant of $2 million to ENIM. The IDB has proposed buying the land back for roughly one-third less than the original purchase price with the intent to hold title and remarket it; staff described mixed county interest and said the city had previously declined to participate. Council did not take a formal vote on a repurchase at this meeting.
Other business: staff reported community development items including a home grant bid opening that drew no bidders and will be reissued May 4, and the mayor highlighted recent events including a TCAT visit by Governor Lee, an animal shelter ribbon-cutting funded in part by contributions from Wallbridge and Ford, and an upcoming community health fair and 5K on April 25 at Haywood County Community Hospital.
The council concluded with departmental reports and a motion to adjourn.
Votes at a glance: minutes approved (voice vote, no opposition); Resolution 1113 (Elbert Williams site support) approved; Resolution 1114 (signature-card updates) approved; interim appointment of Joe Crook approved; audit contract approved; Blues Festival roadblock permit approved; financial management report approved. Several motions were carried by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
