Tomball City Council voted Feb. 2 authorizing Tomball Economic Development Corp. to spend up to $2.3 million to support property acquisition for a future public safety complex.
What this means
The approval allows TEDC economic development agreement funds to be used as direct incentives or expenditures for property acquisition tied to the planned complex.
According to the agenda packet, TEDC’s board took formal action Jan. 13 to approve the agreement as a TEDC project, and Tomball City Council acted as the final stamp of approval.
In a memo to council, TEDC Executive Director Kelly Violette said TEDC received a request letter from City Manager David Esquivel seeking one-time funding help for property acquisition efforts related to a future public safety complex and City Hall facility near 810 W. Main St.
The memo states the expenditure was discussed during the TEDC fiscal year 2025-26 budget process and included in the adopted budget. It also notes public safety facilities can qualify as an eligible TEDC project if they promote or develop a business enterprise that creates or retains primary jobs.
Diving in deeper
The attached grant agreement states TEDC would provide a $2.3 million grant within 60 days of the agreement’s effective date, and the city would use the funding for land acquisition and for design and construction of a new facility that includes headquarters for Tomball’s police and fire departments.
Under the agreement, the city would begin design within four years and begin construction within six years of the effective date. Any grant funds not used within six years would be returned to TEDC.
Some context
Tomball City Council has previously approved the purchase of five properties for future city use, totaling $3 million on four properties, according to prior reporting.
