Built in 1971 and with no significant upgrades since construction, Fire Station No. 2 is in need of additional restrooms, a workout room, laundry facilities for personal protective equipment, and office space.
Regarding the financing for the project, Brownwood Fire Chief Eric Hicks said, “There’s $120,000 set aside in the bond fund for this. That leaves $30,000 unaccounted for. With that short fall the finance director is recommending that come from reserves, but we do have another option where we can take that from capital items and general fund items to make up that sum.”
It was decided the final $30,000 will come from reserves with a year-end budget amendment. The $30,000 will be moved from the fire department capital budget which currently includes personal protective equipment, fire nozzles and rescue tools totaling $32,740. This would effectively wipe out the entire remaining approved capital purchases for the year and delay purchasing safety equipment into next year’s budget.
In other business:
* An ordinance was unanimously passed second and third/final reading to change the zoning classification of the Kerr County School Land, Survey 278, Abstract 576, Block 18, 19, Acres 11.893, Property ID #20017584 (located along Longhorn and Mustang Drive) from R-1 Single-Family Residential District to C-1 Local Business District.
The Planning and Zoning Commission met on Sept. 3 to discuss and vote on Codie Smith’s request to re-zone the property. Smith’s request was so that he would be compliant in constructing additional storage units that would be adjacent to the storage units he has on the adjoining property along Indian Creek. The P&Z Commission voted 5-1 in favor of the zoning change with the stipulation that a screening fence be constructed. The council voted to approve zoning change request on first reading at Council meeting held on Oct. 13. A letter of opposition on the zoning change request was received and presented at the council meeting that was held on Oct. 27. The item was tabled with instruction to research screening requirements.
* An ordinance was unanimously passed on first reading amending the 2019-20 fiscal year budget for the City of Brownwood. The city had nine budget amendments to expenditures totaling $22,007.
* The Budgetary Control Report for the year that ended Sept. 30, 2020 was presented.
* Cary Perrin was recognized for her contributions to Keep Brownwood Beautiful.