4B Sales Tax Corporation Minutes - 11/06/2025 MINUTES OF THE
WICHITA FALLS 4B SALES TAX CORPORATION (WF4BSTC)
NOVEMBER 6, 2025
PRESENT:
Glenn Barham, President § WF4BSTC Members
Michael Grassi, Vice-President §
Stephen Santellana §
Craig Reynolds §
Darrell Coleman §
Steve Garner §
Tim Short, Mayor § Mayor&City Councilors
Tom Taylor, Councilor, District 5 §
Jeff Jenkins, City Manager § City Staff
Paul Menzies, Assistant City Manager §
Blake Jurecek, Assistant City Manager §
Kinley Hegglund, City Attorney §
Stephen Calvert, CFO & Finance Director §
Russell Schreiber, Public Works Director §
Monica Aguon, Deputy City Attorney §
Fabian Medellin, Planning Manager §
Samantha Forrester,. PIO Specialist §
Paige Lessor, Executive Legal Assistant §
Jessica Wood, Executive Managing § Backdoor Theatre
Director
David Gray, Board Treasurer §
Moriah Williams, CEO § Forward Wichita Falls
ABSENT: §
Nick Schreiber, Secretary-Treasurer §
1. Call to Order.
Mr. Glenn Barham called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m., noting that a quorum was
present.
2. Report of Financial Condition.
Mr. Paul Menzies reported that he had just received sales tax revenue receipts for
November, reflecting September activity and closing out the fiscal year. Overall, sales tax
performance continues the positive trend seen in recent months, with total collections finishing
the fiscal year approximately 2% higher than the same period last year, indicating continued
strength on the revenue side. The financial statements also reflect the transition into the new fiscal
year, during which the board has not yet begun receiving its new-year revenue allocations; those
revenues will be realized over the next 12 months. At this point, the organization is holding
approximately$2.5 million in unrestricted, free-and-clear cash.
Mr. Stephen Santellana made a motion to approve the financial report. Seconded by Mr.
Darrell Coleman, with no further public comment, the motion carried 6-0.
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3. Consent Agenda:
a) Approval of Minutes of September 4, 2025.
b) Approval of Minutes of October 2, 2025.
Mr. Steve Garner made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented.
Seconded by Craig Reynolds, with no further public comment, the motion carried 6-0.
4. Public hearing regarding a funding request from Backdoor Theatre to
support a proposed renovation project at 501 Indiana downtown.
Mr. Barham opened the public hearing at 3:04 p.m.
Ms. Jessica Wood, Executive Managing Director of Backdoor Theatre, presented
a funding request for assistance with an exterior accessibility and facility upgrade project.
She provided background on Backdoor Theatre as the only nonprofit community theater
in Wichita Falls, established in 1970 and operating from its historic Ice House building at
501 Indiana Avenue since 1975, with its first production there in 1976. The theater's
mission is to enrich, educate, and entertain the community through the performing arts,
serving more than 5,000 patrons annually and engaging over 200 volunteers each year.
Ms. Wood emphasized the theater's cultural importance to the community, including its
role as a venue for civic events, weddings, and nonprofit gatherings, as well as its draw
for international visitors associated with Sheppard Air Force Base.
Ms. Wood outlined the need for continued investment in safety, accessibility, and
preservation of the historic structure. She described Phase One of the improvement
project, which was completed earlier this year and included resurfacing approximately
14,000 square feet of parking lot at a cost of approximately $96,500. Phase Two of the
project, for which assistance is being requested, is estimated at approximately $150,000
and includes exterior lighting improvements, new and more visible signage, brick and
mortar repairs to the tower structure, roofing repairs to address leaks caused by
deteriorating original materials, and landscaping improvements to enhance both safety
1 and aesthetics. She noted that improved lighting and signage are especially critical due
to evening performances and public perceptions about downtown safety, and that all
proposed upgrades are being coordinated with the Landmark Commission to preserve
the building's historic character.
Ms. Wood reported that $56,000 has already been raised toward Phase Two,
1 including an Impact100 grant awarded earlier this year, with an additional $33,000 in
grant funding currently pending. The remaining balance is expected to be funded through
a combination of donations, future grants, and organizational fundraising efforts. She
also shared that the theater is approaching its 50th anniversary at the Ice House and
plans to launch a formal building fund to ensure long-term sustainability and relieve future
leadership of major deferred-maintenance concerns, allowing them to focus on
programming and community engagement.
In closing, Ms. Wood highlighted Backdoor Theatre's long-standing commitment
to community stewardship and youth development, referencing the original agreement
under which the building was donated—requiring padded seating and the continuation of
a summer youth musical program. She described the summer youth musical as a fully
student-produced production involving local middle and high school students both
onstage and behind the scenes, fostering confidence, skills, and a lifelong connection to
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the arts. Ms. Wood emphasized that the requested support is not only about preserving
a historic building, but about strengthening downtown, sustaining a vibrant arts
community, and ensuring that Backdoor Theatre remains a resource for future
•
generations of storytellers and patrons.
Mr. Barham welcomed any questions from the Board.
Mr. Garner asked for additional details regarding the proposed exterior signage
and the theater's collaboration with Reuben's House of Classics. Ms. Wood explained
that the project includes a three-foot by eight-foot black metal, backlit sign featuring the
Backdoor Theatre logo, designed to comply with Landmark Commission requirements.
The sign is planned for placement on a small island of property near the former
barbershop area and is intended to improve visibility during evening events. Ms. Wood
confirmed that the estimated signage cost of approximately $13,500 includes assistance
from Reuben's House of Classics.
Mr. Reynolds questioned whether the architect's work involved preventative
techniques beyond simply patching visible holes in the historic tower structure,
referencing methods to prevent recurring deterioration. Ms. Wood acknowledged the
question and indicated that a detailed architect's report is available and would be
provided to further explain the repair approach, including measures intended to address
ongoing wear rather than temporary fixes.
Discussion then shifted to funding amounts and the net request being made of the
WF4BSTC. Board members sought clarification on how much funding had already been
secured versus what remained outstanding. Ms. Wood and Mr. David Cook, Backdoor
Theatre's Board Treasurer, reiterated that approximately $56,000 has been raised to
date, while an additional $33,000 in grant funding is pending but not guaranteed. As the
total estimated cost of Phase Two is approximately $154,950, Board members worked
through various funding scenarios to understand the remaining gap, noting that,
depending on grant outcomes, the unmet need could range between approximately
$65,000 and $100,000.
Mr. Cook emphasized that the theater is not presenting a fixed funding demand or
insisting on a 75% contribution model. He explained that earlier discussions with staff
suggested flexibility would be appropriate and that the intent of the request is to invite
the 4B Corporation to partner in the project in a manner it deems appropriate. Options
discussed included funding specific project components, such as roofing or lighting,
rather than a single lump-sum contribution. Board members acknowledged this flexibility,
noting that selecting individual project elements could be a practical approach.
After no further questions or comments, Mr. Barham closed the public hearing at
3:19 p.m.
5. Consideration of a proposed fiscal year 2025-26 budget amendment to
reallocate funds for downtown economic development and marketing services to
Forward Wichita Falls.
Mr. Menzies explained that the original allocation to the Chamber was approved
during the budget process to support downtown and urban core economic development
efforts. Since that time, Forward Wichita Falls has formally assumed the role of the City's
economic development organization, making it appropriate to redirect the funding to Forward
Wichita Falls to perform the same services originally contemplated.
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Ms. Moriah Williams outlined how Forward Wichita Falls would utilize the funding,
emphasizing that the organization's role is not event production or festival management, but
rather economic development focused on revitalizing downtown and the broader urban core.
She explained that the funds would support professional, market-driven evaluation of
downtown and urban core properties, including assessing building conditions,
redevelopment potential, leasing or sale opportunities, demolition needs, and associated
investment costs. Forward Wichita Falls would approach urban core development in the
same manner it handles industrial recruitment and retention—maintaining an inventory of
available properties, assisting property owners, and guiding businesses through the process
from initial interest to full occupancy.
Ms. Williams further noted that the urban core focus extends beyond a small
downtown footprint and includes a broader area encompassing the hotel district, hospital
district, areas beyond the railroad tracks, and surrounding corridors. She described ongoing
work, including meetings with prospective businesses interested in locating downtown and
site tours conducted by Forward Wichita Falls staff. She also discussed plans to eventually
hire a team member with specialized expertise in real estate, architecture, or engineering to
strengthen the organization's urban development capabilities, while noting that Forward
Wichita Falls is already performing these functions with its current team.
WF4BSTC Board confirmed that the action under consideration was strictly a
reallocation of existing funds, not a request for additional funding. It was also noted that the
Wichita Falls Economic Development Corporation had recently taken similar action by
redirecting funds previously provided to the Chamber toward Forward Wichita Falls.
Mr. Santellana made a motion to reallocate $200,000 in funding for downtown
economic development and marketing services from the Wichita Fails Chamber of
Commerce to Forward Wichita Falls. Seconded by Mr. Garner, with no further comments,
the motion carried 6-0.
6. Executive Session.
Mr. Barham 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 3:48 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 Backdoor Theatre to support a proposed
renovation project at 501 Indiana downtown.
Mr. Garner made a motion to approve funding not to exceed $13,500 to assist with the
purchase and installation of new signage for Backdoor Theatre. Payment shall be made as a
reimbursement. Seconded by Mr. Grassi, and after no public comment or further discussion, the
motion carried 6-0.
8. Adjourn.
No further discussions took place, nor actions taken. Mr. Barham adjourned the meeting
at 3:50 p.m.
(3_0 24,c,„15„
Glenn Barham, President
Wichita Falls 4B Sales Tax Corporation
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