I appreciate the citizens who serve on the San Saba Economic Development Corporation Board. Their work matters to the future of our community, which is why public confidence in the EDC also matters.
While reviewing the EDC’s Articles of Incorporation, I noticed Article Seven says the Board “shall consist of seven (7) residents of the City of San Saba.” The current roster, however, appears to include three voting directors identified as non-residents.
When I asked about this discrepancy, I was told current policy allows people who own or operate a business in the city to serve, even if they live outside city limits.
That may be reasonable if properly adopted, so I asked whether the Articles had been amended or whether another governing document authorized the change. I was told the authority was in the bylaws.
That is the transparency issue. If the rule was lawfully changed, the EDC should be able to explain when and make the supporting records readily available. If the Articles remain unchanged, citizens deserve to know why the Board’s composition appears inconsistent with them.
This is not an attack on the EDC or its board members. It is a request for clarity. Public trust depends on public bodies answering reasonable questions directly and making basic records accessible without unnecessary barriers.
I hope the EDC will explain the legal basis for its current board membership and provide the documents supporting that position.
Respectfully, Albert Stowell San Saba, Texas