4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 12/05/2024 MINUTES OF THE
WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION (WF4BSTC)
DECEMBER 5, 2024
PRESENT:
Tony Fidelie, President § WF4BSTC Members
Glenn Barham, Vice-President §
Nick Schreiber, Secretary-Treasurer §
Dave Clark §
Craig Reynolds §
Michael Grassi §
Steve Garner §
Tim Short, Mayor § Mayor & City Council
Mike Battaglino, Councilor, District 4 §
James McKechnie, Interim City Manager § City Staff
R. Kinley Hegglund, Jr., City Attorney §
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager §
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager §
Stephen Calvert, CFO & Finance Director §
Terry Floyd, Dir. of Developmental Svcs §
Chris Horgen, Public Information Officer §
Paige Lessor, Executive Legal Assistant §
Absent:
1. Call to Order.
Mr. Tony Fidelie called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m.
2. Report of financial condition (current, past & planned budget & expenditures); and
other administrative actions.
Mr. Paul Menzies addressed the Board to give the financial report. Mr. Menzies noted
that sales tax revenue for the year concluded at approximately 1% below the previous year's
revenue. However, interest earnings compensated for the shortfall. The financial balance
currently stands at $5.4 million in unencumbered funds. This balance does not include projected
sales tax revenue, which is expected to commence the following week with receipts from the
state. No additional questions or concerns were raised.
3. Consent Agenda
a) Approval of Minutes of November 4, 2024.
Mr. Schreiber moved to approve the consent agenda. Seconded by Mr. Garner, the
motion carried 7-0.
4. Public hearing regarding a funding request from the Wichita Falls Chamber of
Commerce related to the proposed Engage Sheppard Program.
Mr. Fidelie opened the public hearing at 3:04 p.m.
Mr. Ron Kitchens presented a funding request on behalf of the Chamber of
Commerce for the proposed Engage Sheppard program, which was initiated at the request
of Sheppard Air Force Base leadership. The program aims to integrate airmen into the local
community to improve their physical and mental well-being by providing structured tours of
WF4BSTC Minutes Page 1 of 3
12/5/2024
Wichita Falls. Mr. Kitchens explained that airmen arriving from San Antonio currently spend
their first two weeks restricted to the base, after which their off-base activities are limited to
visiting a few retail stores and restaurants before returning to their dorms. The initiative seeks
to familiarize them with the city's attractions, culture, and opportunities, increasing their
likelihood of engaging with the community and considering future assignments in the area.
Mr. Kitchens explained that the proposed plan involves securing a bus, which the City
has agreed to provide once a week, to transport airmen on guided tours. The tours will
include visits to historical and cultural sites, stops at local businesses, and Midwestern State
University (MSU), where they will learn about educational opportunities, including MSU's
Military Success Center. The estimated monthly cost for the program is approximately
$6,000 in non-covered expenses, and the Wichita Falls Chamber is requesting funding to
cover half of these costs, with the other half being provided by the 4A Economic
Development Corporation.
Additionally, Mr. Kitchens introduced the Home Away from Home program, modeled
after an existing Air Force initiative at a few other bases. The program seeks to connect
single airmen and young military families with local host families to provide support and
foster long-term relationships. Initially designed for single airmen at their first permanent duty
station, the program will be expanded to include married airmen and their families to improve
their overall experience and well-being. Mr. Kitchens noted that the Air Force recognizes
that service members with positive initial experiences are more likely to pursue long-term
careers. The goal is to match airmen with suitable local families, ideally empty nesters who
have the time and resources to build meaningful relationships. The program is expected to
start with 20 to 40 participants and grow to 120 to 140 families within three years. Security
measures will be in place, requiring background checks for participating host families. The
Wichita Falls Chamber is seeking a one-year commitment of $40,000 from the 4B Board,
mirroring the Economic Development Corporation's commitment, with an annual review to
ensure effectiveness and sustainability before continued funding.
Mr. Fidelie asked for public comments. None being made, Mr. Fidelie closed the
public hearing at 3:11 p.m.
5. Public hearing regarding a funding request from the Wichita Falls Chamber of
Commerce related to the proposed Retail Attraction Program.
Mr. Fidelie opened the public hearing at 3:11 p.m.
Mr. Kitchens presented a proposal to the Board for a retail attraction program
emphasizing the need to address the city's retail leakage problem. He highlighted that while
sales tax collection is down by 1%, retail spending has not decreased; instead, residents are
shopping out of town due to a lack of local options. Mr. Kitchens compared the city to Abilene,
which has similar demographics but a much stronger retail presence, attributing this to
proactive retail recruitment. He explained that the post-COVID retail landscape has shifted,
requiring cities to actively recruit businesses rather than relying on organic growth.
To address this issue, the Chamber is considering a contract with a Birmingham,
Alabama-based firm specializing in retail recruitment. This firm primarily assists big-box
retailers in site selection and helps communities attract retail by working with property
owners and developers. The proposed contract would span three years, with annual funding
contingent on performance, and includes hiring a dedicated salesperson to focus on
recruitment. Mr. Kitchens stressed that retail attraction is crucial for community satisfaction,
ranking higher than public safety in importance. He noted that Dillard's has expressed
interest in returning but requires a suitable location, which would necessitate a development
partner. The firm has committed to securing 100 retailer introductions in the first year and
providing essential market data to match businesses with the community.
WF48STC Minutes Page 2 of 3
12/5/2024
Board members asked about the program's commitment structure, performance
metrics, and funding sources. Mr. Kitchens confirmed that funding would be reviewed
annually, ensuring accountability. The hired salesperson's effectiveness would be measured
by documented meetings with potential retailers. The compensation for this role is higher
due to its sales-driven nature, differing from a lower-paid administrative hire discussed in a
previous agenda item. Board members also inquired about Abilene's retail strategies,
learning that they previously used the same firm but now handle recruitment internally.
Mr. Kitchens reassured the Board of the firm's credibility, citing their Texas presence
and past successes in communities like Mineral Wells. Other funding sources, such as the
realtors' association and Midwestern State University, were discussed but deemed unlikely
initial contributors. Mr. Kitchens explained that while some department stores are closing
nationwide, others, like Dillard's and Macy's, are adapting with smaller, more sustainable
models. The program aims to recruit top-tier retailers rather than dollar-store equivalents
and could also attract grocers like H-E-B, provided suitable developers are secured.
Finally, the discussion clarified that the Chamber and the WFEDC operate
independently. However, some funding does come from the WFEDC. This initiative would
fall into that category, "Forward Wichita Falls." Mr. Kitchens noted that he has known the
retail recruitment firm's leadership for years but has never been a client and expressed
confidence in their ability to deliver results.
After no further discussion, Mr. Fidelie closed item number five at 3:25 p.m.
6. Executive Session.
Mr. Fidelie adjourned the meeting into executive session at 3:25 p.m. pursuant to Texas
Government Code sections 551.087, 551.071, and 551.072. He announced the meeting back
into regular session at 4:01 p.m. The subjects posted in the Notice of Meeting were deliberated,
and no votes or further action were taken on these items in executive session.
7. Consideration of a funding request from the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce
related to the proposed Engage Sheppard Program.
Mr. Reynolds moved to authorize funding for the Engage Sheppard Program in the
amount of$40,000 for one year, which includes $35,000 for staffing, $3,000 for bus service costs,
and $2,000 for the Home Away from Home Program's "family-reunion-style" event. Seconded by
Mr. Clark, and no further comments or questions, the motion carried 7-0.
8. Consideration of a funding request from the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce
related to the proposed Retail Attraction Program.
Mr. Fidelie moved to approve funding for the Chamber's Retail Attraction Program in the
amount of $82,500 for one year, which includes $27,500 for the Retail Strategies Consulting
Services, $45,000 for Chamber staffing, and $10,000 for sales support. Seconded by Mr. Clark
and with no comments or discussion made by the public, the motion carried 6-0, with Mr. Garner
abstaining from the vote.
9. Adjourn.
No further discussions took place, nor actions taken. Mr. Fidelie adjourned the meeting
at 4:03 p.m.
Guy,A. " ny" Fidelie, Jr., President
WF4BSTC Minutes Page 3 of 3
12/5/2024