Amarillo City Council is set to finally publicly discuss the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation/RANGE Foundation controversy during their upcoming September 10th regular meeting.
The controversy centers on the AEDC paying $750,000 in dues to the RANGE Foundation despite only $100,000 being budgeted. In addition to the amount of the transaction, concerns regarding AEDC President and CEO serving on the RANGE Foundation’s board.
The council previously discussed the controversy in a closed-door executive session meeting last month, earning criticism from some in the community. One major unanswered question is whether or not Carter was present during the closed-door meeting. Some critics of Carter, including Mayor Cole Stanley’s campaign treasurer Michael Ford, have expressed concerns over Carter’s potential attendance. Meanwhile, a draft version of the minutes for that meeting does not list Carter as an attendee. (One source familiar with the meeting has confirmed to The Amarillo Pioneer that Carter was present.)
The discussion item for the upcoming open meeting reads “Update regarding Amarillo Economic Development Corporation in connection to financial assistance previously provided to the Regional Accelerator & New Growth Engine (RANGE).”
The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:00 pm on September 10th and will be held on the third floor of Amarillo City Hall.