In a packed agenda, the Dublin Economic Development Corporation approved grants and took steps to complete its new website.
The board unanimously approved (board member Darrell Curry was absent) a $2,500 marketing grant for Byrn Rodeo Productions after a successful event occurred in August.
According to information received by the board, Byrn Rodeo Productions gave back in numerous ways to the community include a scholarship to a local student and calf scramble for FFA students.
“It’s a good program to have in Dublin,” EDC Board member Lanora Davidson said.
Another marketing grant request was made by Raymond Meneses with Knights of Columbus and Sandra Espinosa for an upcoming Hispanic Fall Festival to be held Sept. 13 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church.
After receiving information, the board tabled the item to seek information whether they could legally donate EDC funds to an organization using them for religious purposes.
All proceeds from the fall festival will be split between St. Mary’s and St. Brendan’s in Stephenville. The church in Stephenville will be using the funds to rebuild their building.
The board unanimously approved a $4,000 expenditure for half of the Texas Communities Group contract, which is being split with the city of Dublin. The total contract is $8,000.
Interim City Manager/ Police Chief Cameron Ray explained at the meeting that out of the 80 properties identified by TCG as needing work to be brought into compliance with city codes, only 6 remain that were never brought into compliance.
“It has been very successful,” Ray said.
The board unanimously approved its annual dues for Texas Midwest Community Network Annual Dues and the Texas Midwest Travel Guide participation.
The total amount approved was $2,385 with $400 for annual dues and $1,985 for two pages in the visitor’s guide.
EDC Executive Director Noah Cullis explained the membership would allow anyone with the EDC, Chamber or city to attend training sessions throughout the year organized by Texas Midwest Community Network.
The visitor’s guide is distributed by EDC and chambers throughout the area and the Dublin EDC is allowed to have as many copies as they need to distribute.
The board also approved the annual Quickbooks subscription for $543.
The board approved its budget at the meeting, though the budget also must be approved by the city council.
A contract was approved for professional photography services with Caitlyn Moyer Photography not to exceed $755. These services are to capture a variety of images to be used on the EDC’s new website. The new website, Cullis said, is anticipated to be completed by November.
The EDC is continuing its work to fill a board vacancy and has four applicants so far.
The board directed Cullis to ask all candidates to come to the September board meeting for a small interview and post a closed executive session so the board could discuss applicants before making a selection.