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Athens EDC accepts December financials, funds HVAC grant and orders Phase 2 environmental study for Hwy 175 parcel
Summary
At its Jan. 20 meeting the Athens Economic Development Corporation accepted December financials, approved a $6,917.66 grant for Cain Park concessions HVAC, authorized a Placer.ai MOU with the City, and agreed to a no-cost Phase 2 environmental study for 1000 Hwy 175 while deferring purchase.
The Athens Economic Development Corporation on Jan. 20 accepted its December 2025 financial report, approved a community development grant for HVAC at Cain Park, and voted to pursue a no-cost Phase 2 environmental study for property at 1000 Hwy 175 rather than purchase the parcel now.
Finance Director Sarah Smith told the board that sales tax receipts received in December 2025 (October 2025 collections) totaled $99,656.61, down $11,048.14 (9.98%) from December 2024. Month revenues were $129,325.69 and expenditures $25,371.45; fiscal year-to-date revenues totaled $386,932.39 (26.14% of budget). Cash balances were $8,365,068.89 as of Dec. 31, 2025. Bryan Clemmons moved and Traci Wilkes seconded a motion to accept the December financials; the motion carried unanimously.
Community Development Manager Donna Meredith told the board that a recently received feasibility report for the parcel at 1000 Hwy 175 (HCAD parcel #1996) identified site contamination issues, including tires, debris, buried fuel tanks and chemical concerns. Meredith said the East Texas Council of Governments offered to perform a Phase 2 environmental study at no cost. After discussion about cleanup needs, rail‑spur feasibility and the nearing end of the contract feasibility period, Jeff Whitnah moved and Elvis Allen seconded to pursue the ETCOG Phase 2 study and not to purchase the property at this time; the motion carried unanimously.
The board also authorized President Brady Autry to execute a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Athens for Placer.ai data software after Assistant City Manager Mandie Quigg said the City Council had approved the purchase and the MOU. Traci Wilkes moved and Beverly Peek seconded the authorization; the motion carried unanimously.
On grants, the board approved a Community Development Grant of $6,917.66 to the Henderson County Girls Softball Association to install an HVAC unit, wiring and a five‑year extended warranty at the Cain Park concession stand. The full project was estimated at $11,917.66; the association will contribute $5,000. Beverly Peek moved and Robert Hoover seconded the grant approval; the motion carried unanimously.
A business assistance grant request from Harvard Development Co. HTL LLC to make interior and rear‑exterior improvements on a building on S. Palestine Street was discussed; board members asked for a more comprehensive property plan and took no action.
Development Services Director Alan Anderson reported the Sky School is in final inspections for a certificate of occupancy, a car wash on S. Palestine is slated for demolition and potential office/retail reuse, and staff are researching planning and zoning definitions for data mining and battery energy storage facilities. Director Jeff Whitnah voiced concerns about potential factory noise and asked staff to visit comparable sites to better assess noise levels.
The meeting adjourned at 9:43 a.m.
