Crockett council temporarily expands CIDC board, appoints mayor and council as directors

Crockett — The City Council voted to amend the articles of incorporation and bylaws of the Crockett Economic & Industrial Development Corporation (CIDC) and to appoint interim directors and administrative officers so the corporation can continue basic operations while its existing board remains suspended.

Council action: The council approved a resolution amending CIDC’s articles to increase the number of directors by six on an interim basis, with the terms of the additional directors set to end July 16, 2024. The council then approved amending the bylaws to reflect that change and voted to appoint the mayor and each council member as interim CIDC directors.

Staff framed the action as a temporary operational fix while an investigation involving the existing CIDC board continues. "We are in a position right now, that council is not ready to... address current suspension with EDC, the board of directors, and the director as a whole," staff said, adding the expansion would allow the city to "move forward" on business prospects while due process continues.

Administrative steps: The council also approved appointing a registered agent for the corporation (transcript reference: Dr. Anthea Fisher) and designated Crockett City Hall as the CIDC registered office. Council authorized payment of necessary CIDC invoices so the corporation can continue to meet immediate obligations.

Why it matters: Council members said the move is intended to ensure CIDC can sign agreements and pursue economic development work while the suspended board’s matters are resolved, but critics may question whether council service on the corporation risks conflicts if council later negotiates agreements with partners. The council said the appointments are interim and can be rescinded once the investigation and governance issues are resolved.

What’s next: The city will administer the CIDC’s operations under the amended bylaws and will revisit the composition of the board after the suspended board’s issues are resolved.