During the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) Tuesday meeting, it announced proposed changes to its operations by amending its articles of incorporation and bylaws, aiming to enhance transparency and governance within the organization.
A substantial portion of a recent board meeting was conducted under executive session. However, a few key updates regarding the Articles of Incorporation were discussed, with plans to present the revisions to the Amarillo City Council for approval during the council’s next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 14. Board Director Alex Fairly led the AEDC discussion, seeking feedback from fellow board members on the proposed changes. Josh Craft raised concerns about the inclusion of a 5% buffer on line items, advocating for its removal. Additionally, a proposal was to feature AEDC’s monthly expense reports on its website to increase financial transparency.
The board also considered implementing a more comprehensive orientation program for newly appointed members to ensure they are well-prepared for their roles. AEDC’s legal counsel clarified that the finalized articles cannot be approved internally and must undergo review by the city council. Following this, another meeting is scheduled for Jan. 15 to finalize the bylaws, which will be submitted to the city council on Jan. 28.
In a related development, AEDC received 55 applications for board membership. The city council will soon commence meetings to appoint new board members next month. Kevin Carter, president of AEDC, highlighted that one of the most significant amendments restricts the reallocation of budget funds among line items without city council approval. Additionally, many recent changes involve relocating article language into existing bylaws to streamline operations.
Local businessman Michael Ford, right, speaks about issues with the AEDC and its alleged open meetings violations Tuesday in downtown Amarllo.
Transparency under scrutiny
Amid these organizational changes, AEDC faced scrutiny from the public regarding its adherence to the Texas Open Meetings Act. During the board meeting, local business owner Mike Ford voiced significant concerns about the clarity and legality of recent meeting notices, suggesting they might violate state regulations and compromise public transparency.
Ford stated, “I’m deeply worried that the AEDC isn’t fully adhering to the Texas Open Meetings Act. The recent notifications for the 087 and 071 meetings were vague and appear to breach the Act’s stipulations. The community deserves clearer information about these procedures.”
Chairman Fairly responded by acknowledging Ford’s concerns. However, Ford remained skeptical about AEDC’s transparency, particularly regarding projects involving substantial public funds. “The manner in which these meetings have been conducted suggests that the AEDC might be trying to avoid transparency,” he remarked. “Public discussions should be open, especially those involving over $40 million in public funds. The unclear communication regarding projects like Plan AG Systems only increases mistrust among the public.”
Ford emphasized the need for tangible actions. “Proper notification of all meetings and ensuring the public has access to relevant information are essential,” he stated. “Without these measures, the AEDC risks losing the trust and support of the community.”
Fairly reaffirmed AEDC’s dedication to enhancing transparency and compliance. “We will reassess our current practices to ensure full compliance with the Texas Open Meetings Act and improve our communication strategies to keep the public better informed,” he said.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Amarillo EDC amends operations amid transparency concerns