Lubbock County Commissioners have approved a lease agreement for the proposed Lubbock County Expo Center on a 3-2 vote, despite concerns from some commissioners that the lease does not adequately protect the county’s interests.

Lease Agreement Details

The lease agreement, which was approved on Monday, allows the Lubbock County Expo Center, Inc. (LCEC) to operate the expo center for 27 years, with the option to renew for two additional 25-year terms. The LCEC will be responsible for fundraising, operations, and maintenance of the expo center.

Commissioner Michael Dalby, who voted against the lease, expressed concerns that the agreement does not provide sufficient protection for the county. ‘I support the project, but I have heartburn with this document,’ Dalby said.

County Judge Curtis Parrish also expressed concerns, stating that the county is ‘leasing a building that doesn’t exist.’ Parrish argued that the lease agreement does not provide the county with sufficient control over the project.

Ashley Cox, one of the county’s civil attorneys, explained that the lease agreement is necessary to secure funding for the project. The county plans to borrow $32 million in bonds to fund the project, and the lease agreement is required to obtain approval from the Texas Attorney General.

Commissioner Jason Corley, who voted in favor of the lease, argued that the agreement is necessary to allow the LCEC to secure a loan to fund the project. Corley stated that the lease agreement is not meant to be a permanent arrangement, but rather a temporary measure to allow the project to move forward.

The lease agreement has sparked debate among citizens, with some expressing concerns that the county is not adequately protected. Carl Isett, a member of the county’s oversight board, stated that the lease agreement is ‘ridiculous’ and that the county is ‘plowing ahead without a single question.’ Ysidro Gutierrez, a former county commissioner, urged the commissioners to reject the lease agreement, stating that it is not in the best interest of Lubbock County.

Original reporting: Lubbock Lights — read the source article.