Kevin Nelson (Right) sits with former mayor Ginger Nelson (Left) during the Center City TIRZ #1 Board Meeting

A company owned by the husband of former Mayor Ginger Nelson may soon acquire a property tax incentive potentially worth more than $800,000.

Kevin Nelson, husband to the former mayor, is the president of 724 S Polk Street Operating, LLC, which is purchasing the downtown Courtyard by Marriott hotel from Summit Hotel Properties.

The deal, set to expire in 2031, gives a 90% property tax reimbursement to Summit for up to $1,657,716. But, the reassignment of the deal to Nelson’s company needed approval from the Center City TIRZ #1 board.

The board met Thursday and heard an hour of other hoteliers and critics of the former mayor express opposition. As the meeting dragged on, some board members with other commitments left, frustrating Nelson.

“This is going to be financially catastrophic!” shouted Nelson. “I need you guys to act.”

Nelson, finally getting a chance to speak, complained that his financing would be impacted if the reassignment was not approved.

“The only thing it does if you do that is it jeapordizes my finances, because my lender is counting on this money,” said Nelson.

Nelson further argued that, should the reassignment not be granted, he might have the right to sue. “Most likely, that would be a basis for a lawsuit because you’re breaching contract.” Later, Nelson did state he does not “intend to sue anybody.”

Potter County Commissioner John Coffee, a member of the TIRZ board, expressed skepticism about the county’s continued participation in the Center City TIRZ. “I think that County funds could be better spent, maybe, on a jail,” Coffee said.

Coffee, however, did ultimately vote with the majority of the board to pass the item. The sole vote against was from Amarillo ISD board member Tom Warren II.

The vote by the TIRZ board isn’t the end of the matter, as it will next be considered by Amarillo City Council at their upcoming October 14th meeting.

Editor’s note: Tom Warren II is the publisher of The Amarillo Pioneer. Tom Warren II had no input in the writing or publishing of this article.