The Mayor Came Close, But No Cigar.

At the Tuesday City Council meeting at the McNease Convention Center Mayor Brenda Gunter came as close as she ever has to eliminating the non-profit policy for the North TIRZ. TIRZ stands for Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone. A TIRZ is a mechanism whereby a city can create a fund to use for projects aimed at revitalizing a certain geographic area of the city. In this case, the N. Chadbourne / MLK Jr. Drive corridor up to the Wal-Mart on N Bryant Drive.

During the meeting, Planning and Development Services Director Aaron Vannoy presented a recommendation from the City of San Angelo TIRZ Board to change the North TIRZ Non-Profit policy. Vannoy stated the current policy allows non-profit participation in the North TIRZ zone. He stated two non-profits began TIRZ applications, with only one making it in front of the TIRZ board. Vannoy said no non-profits have been awarded TIRZ funding, but that there is a desire by the non-profit community to participate.

Vannoy said that city staff researched programs and local data and the Board suggests the City create a non-profit set-aside for the North TIRZ area with an annual amount not to exceed $100,000 of North TIRZ funding. This arrangement would require no matching from the non-profit, and would be a standard reimbursement of funds. Government entities would not be allowed to request funding from the set-aside. City staff and the TIRZ board recommended this for approval.

Mayor Gunter argued against it but never addressed the actual merits of the proposal. Instead she claimed that non-profits were not legally allowed to participate because the Texas Comptroller’s website states that TIRZ projects are funded in order to jump start development to generate “new” tax revenue. She stated that TIRZ projects are intended to boost development which grows property value and long term property tax collection revenue. She argued that the City of San Angelo is a taxing entity and that non-profits do not generate sales tax or property tax revenue.

City Manager Rick Weise pointed out that the city council still determines what the TIRZ policy ultimately is, and that this was a recommendation made by the TIRZ board to move forward with a non-profit set-aside.

Councilmember Lucy Gonzales argued in favor of non-profit participation. “As long as these people, these non-profit organizations, are helping the people that are not as fortunate as other people in this community… I do not see a problem when the north side has 2 point something million dollars, and take out $100,000 set-aside to help [non-profits], I don’t see any problem in it,” Councilmember Gonzales said. “We are not taking into consideration what the non-profits actually do.”

When asked for clarification of whether non-profits can receive these funds, the acting City Attorney Brandon Dyson said, “It doesn’t say one way or the other in that chapter [the statute which governs the TIRZ], but of course it does outline the various projects that you can do, and I think that part of the non-profit discussion is that, you know, if you improve a building that may be owned by a non-profit in a blighted area, you’re improving the surrounding area.”

Councilmember Tom Thompson argued against non-profit TIRZ participation, stating that non-profits are not taxed and therefore are not building the TIRZ fund. “I don’t think the sustainability of non-profits helping people relies on this decision in them being able to get TIRZ funds,” Councilmember Thompson said.

The item was then opened for public comment. Mike Burnett, speaking as a private citizen, spoke in favor of non-profit participation in the North TIRZ.

“These entities work tirelessly to address the needs of our citizens, from feeding the hungry, providing education resources, providing spiritual nourishment, and supporting mental health. By extending tax assistance funds to non-profits, we empower these organizations to maximize their impact,” Burnett said. “This support can translate into more services delivered in a more efficient manner. It’s an investment in our community’s health, wellbeing, and future.”

Local citizen Evelyn Smith approached to make a public comment on the item, but because she had not signed up to speak on this item before the meeting, Mayor Gunter refused to allow her to make a public comment under the City’s public comment policy.

Councilmember Thompson motioned not to allow non-profit participation in the North TIRZ Funding. Mayor Gunter seconded the motion. The vote locked at 3-3 and the motion failed.

Vannoy stated he would put together another presentation on behalf of the TIRZ board for a future city council meeting, and the city attorney said he would research the issue regarding non-profit participation in the TIRZ.

In other business

The Council proclaimed January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month.

In the Public Comment portion of the meeting, two citizens spoke on their concerns for the animal population crisis. One citizen proposed to enact policies requiring breeding certificates. They also spoke on their concern that the Animal Service Advisory Committee needs better establishment and more ways for the community to be involved. The other citizen suggested finding ways to lower veterinary costs for animals.

City Manager Daniel Valenzuela responded by stating his appreciation for the community’s interest in the animal crisis. “We want to reduce free-roaming dog population, reduce citizen dog bites, increase spay/neuter rates, manage shelter capacity, encourage responsible pet ownership, create and enforce policies and ordinances, and foster collaboration with animal rescue groups. There’s a lot that can be done,” Valenzuela said.

Mike Burnett, executive director of Concho Valley Community Action Agency and chair of the Homeless Coalition, spoke on behalf of the homeless community and the upcoming winter weather services for unhoused people which include: The Salvation Army Emergency Shelter, daily meals at Rust Street Ministries and Trinity Soup Kitchen, warming center at the Tom Green County Library, and the St. Paul Presbyterian Church Daily Oasis Shelter.

The Point In Time Count (PIT Count) will take place Thursday, January 23rd. The PIT Count counts the number of people who are unhoused in San Angelo. Burnett stated that federal and state resources are allocated to agencies based on these numbers. The Homeless Navigation Day will also take place on Thursday, January 23rd in the First Presbyterian Church Gym. Volunteers are needed for both, and more information can be found at cvcaa.org.

Candidate packets for the upcoming May 3rd, 2025 election are now available online at cosatx.us/election, or in person at the city clerk’s office. Positions up for election include Mayor and City Council positions for districts 2, 4, and 6. The last day to register to vote in Tom Green County is April 3rd.

TIRZ funding requests for two projects in the north zone, each requesting $75,000 were approved. Both properties are in District 4 in the Reagan Neighborhood.

The Council also voted 6-0 to approve an Infill Empowerment Request in District 3 in the Fort Concho East neighborhood.

Jon Mark Hogg Publisher and Editor previously served as Chair of the TIRZ Board. The author Conner Burnett is the son of Mike Burnett but is not connected with or employed by the Concho Valley Community Action Agency.