{"id":347344,"date":"2026-06-23T18:16:58","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T18:16:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/347344\/"},"modified":"2026-06-23T18:16:58","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T18:16:58","slug":"commissioners-approve-expo-center-lease-on-3-2-vote-amid-debate-if-lease-protects-county-in-north-lubbock-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/347344\/","title":{"rendered":"Commissioners approve expo center lease on 3-2 vote amid debate if lease protects county in north Lubbock project"},"content":{"rendered":"

After an anxious discussion, County Commissioners approved a lease agreement for the proposed Lubbock County Expo Center on a 3-2 vote.<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t like this,\u201d said Michael Dalby, commissioner for Precinct 1, during Monday\u2019s meeting.<\/p>\n

Dalby is in favor of an expo center and he\u2019s been generally supportive of the county\u2019s partner, Lubbock County Expo Center, Inc. The LCEC is in charge of fundraising for the public\/private partnership for the project at North Loop 289 and North University Avenue.<\/p>\n

LCEC will also oversee operations of the expo center \u2013 including the right to hire a day-to-day operator.<\/p>\n

\u201cI support the project. I just have heartburn with this document,\u201d Dalby explained.<\/p>\n

Curtis Parrish, county judge, agreed with Dalby, saying, \u201cWe\u2019re leasing a building that doesn\u2019t exist.\u201d<\/p>\n

Ashley Cox, one of the county\u2019s civil attorneys, explained.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m proud of the work,\u201d Cox said.<\/p>\n

\"AshleyAshley Cox makes a presentation to county commissioners. Credit: Staff photo.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy do we need a lease if we don\u2019t have a building yet? That\u2019s a good question and it\u2019s understandable,\u201d Cox told commissioners.<\/p>\n

The answer starts here.<\/p>\n

Lubbock County will need approval from the Texas Attorney General to borrow roughly $32 million in the form of bonds (paid back with a hotel and car rental tax). The total cost is pegged at $67 million, roughly $10 million of that is in reserve from the hotel and rental taxes.<\/p>\n

And because this is all part of a public\/private partnership, a lease agreement must be in place, according to Cox.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt will help effectuate that AG approval to have the lease already in place,\u201d Cox said.<\/p>\n

Parrish was not satisfied \u2013 saying, \u201cWe were able to acquire bonding for our medical examiner\u2019s office without a lease agreement. Why do we need a lease agreement to acquire funding for this?\u201d<\/p>\n

Cox answered, \u201cMy answer doesn\u2019t change as far as that goes. [It\u2019s] in order to get that preliminary AG approval.\u201d<\/p>\n

The county consulted with specialized lawyers called bond counsel. Their advice was to have a lease agreement before approving bonds, she said.<\/p>\n

Who gets protection under the lease?<\/p>\n

Parrish said, \u201cAs an attorney, I would caution my clients not to sign this agreement. It does not protect Lubbock County.\u201d<\/p>\n

Jason Corley, commissioner for Precinct 2, pushed back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe lease is there to allow for LCEC to go ahead and get their loan,\u201d Corley said to LubbockLights.com after the meeting.<\/p>\n

LCEC needs a loan because it has, in some cases, donation commitments but not cash on hand from donors. Large donations are sometimes paid over several years.<\/p>\n

The bank wants certain things in place \u2013 like a lease agreement, which can be assigned to the bank.<\/p>\n

To protect the county, Corley said an operating agreement will also be needed. But the lease is not meant for that, he said.<\/p>\n

Parrish responded, \u201cI think that\u2019s a little short-sighted.\u201d<\/p>\n

Parrish also said the county is supposed to have final control.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat was all taken away today by this lease agreement. The Commissioner\u2019s Court does not have the final say in anything regarding this venue project from this point forward,\u201d Parrish said.<\/p>\n

He said the county\u2019s voice was \u201cdrowned\u201d by the lease agreement.<\/p>\n

LubbockLights.com examined the lease<\/p>\n

Lubbock Lights tried to get a copy of the proposed lease before Monday\u2019s meeting and could not. But after the meeting we examined the 14-page lease.<\/p>\n

For LCEC:<\/p>\n

$1 annual rent.<\/p>\n

27-year term (25 years each on renewals).<\/p>\n

Right to assign the lease (for a bank loan).<\/p>\n

Broad discretion for events.<\/p>\n

Ownership of revenue opportunities (like naming rights, for example).<\/p>\n

Access to net operating income for paying down debt.<\/p>\n

Potential reimbursement for capital expenditures.<\/p>\n

For the county:<\/p>\n

County has at least four (4) members on the LCEC board (but not more than 49 percent of the total board).<\/p>\n

LCEC must provide financial reporting each year.<\/p>\n

LCEC cannot, for the most part, allow liens on the project or the property.<\/p>\n

County has the right to approve any operator LCEC chooses.<\/p>\n

County has inspection rights.<\/p>\n

County has the right to require LCEC to give up certain interests, but the county would have to assume the related obligations.<\/p>\n

LCEC goes into default if it:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Abandons or vacates the Expo Center project.
\u2022 Allows the project to be inconsistent with its public purpose.
\u2022 Voluntarily files for bankruptcy.
\u2022 Consents to the appointment of a receiver, liquidator, trustee or custodian.
\u2022 Has an involuntary bankruptcy that is not dismissed within 30 days.<\/p>\n

LCEC would also go into default if it failed to meet contractual obligations on building maintenance, insurance, financial reporting, utilities and trash pickup. LCEC agrees to take on the liability for injuries, death, and property damage that come from operating the Expo Center.<\/p>\n

A development agreement was already in place, in which the county retained ownership of the expo center project.<\/p>\n

\"LubbockCommissioners took group photos before the June 22 meeting. Credit: Staff photo.<\/p>\n

27 years or 77 years<\/p>\n

Some of the critics claimed the lease puts Lubbock County on the hook for 77 years. The first term is 27 years (25 years of operation, plus two years to account for construction). It can then renew for a second of 25 years and then a third round \u2013 also 25 years.<\/p>\n

Parrish said, \u201cAs I understand the language, and these are automatic renewal agreements.\u201d<\/p>\n

The contract mentioned, \u201cthe right of Lessee to exercise any extension \u2026\u201d<\/p>\n

Cary Shaw, commissioner for Precinct 3, and Cox discussed that concern in the public meeting.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt has to be mutually agreed. \u2026 It\u2019s not an automatic. If it\u2019s not working and we don\u2019t like what\u2019s going on and it would cost more money for the county to renew, we say, \u2018No, we\u2019re not renewing,\u2019 and we walk away,\u201d Shaw said.<\/p>\n

Cox agreed, saying, \u201cRight. Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

Shaw added, \u201cIn 27 years, we decide whether we want to continue this or not.\u201d<\/p>\n

But during the term itself, the county can only leave by mutual agreement or by LCEC\u2019s default.<\/p>\n

Cox told commissioners, \u201cIf we\u2019re not pleased with LCEC as the operator, or there are financial deficiencies that keep us from being able to use the facilities for the purposes intended, that falls under the default termination paragraphs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Corley said, \u201cThat gives them two years for the construction to be completed. And then they have 25 years to operate. They have a lease on the facility for 25 years.\u201d<\/p>\n

Proponents said it gives LCEC time to pay off the bank loan.<\/p>\n

Corley added, \u201cIf we\u2019re not satisfied with those operations, then that\u2019s going to fall under the operation contract.\u201d<\/p>\n

We asked Corley if the bank might want some leverage in that contract too.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat seems like a reasonable request, but that would be something to get worked out,\u201d Corley said.<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Expo\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tExpo Center project inches forward with help from county attorney, here\u2019s what needs to happen over next few months<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJune 11, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Expo\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tExpo center project comes with strings attached before county\u00a0borrows money, as approved by oversight board<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 12, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Expo\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tExpo Center\u2019s next, but not final, steps approved 4-1 by commissioners over objections by county judge<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJanuary 27, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Expo\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tExpo Center plans for north side of Lubbock now waiting for commissioner approval after LGC advances project<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJanuary 14, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"County\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tCounty attorneys give Expo Center supporters \u2018to-do\u2019 list to get project moving forward, get approval<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDecember 12, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Has\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tHas Expo Center project \u2018failed,\u2019 or does it \u2018just need a little boost?\u2019 Oversight board pushes for answers and urgency<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDecember 4, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Expo\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tExpo Center\u2019s future makes two pit stops this month \u2013 both in front of county oversight board<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDecember 2, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Next\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tNext few weeks will tell if oversight board\u2019s Expo Center questions are answered enough to get decision<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 17, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"County\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tCounty oversight board withholds blessing for expo center, wanting more answers on financial issues<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNovember 14, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Study:\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tStudy: No matter where expo center goes, outdated Civic Center, surrounding areas need dramatic improvements<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 20, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Future\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tFuture of Civic Center, Expo Center on line in City Council, Commissioners Court meetings<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOctober 14, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"New\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tNew law soon lets Lubbock raise money for Civic Center project<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAugust 7, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"County\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tCounty deadline proposed for Expo Center; if Corley\u2019s proposal passes, 120 days to finish planning or the county goes it alone<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMarch 7, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Plans\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\tPlans being discussed to move Expo Center downtown, paired with updated Civic Center; Expo leader still hopes it works on north Lubbock site<\/a><\/p>\n

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tFebruary 21, 2025\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Public comments<\/p>\n

During public comments, three citizens had concerns with the lease.<\/p>\n

Carl Isett, who serves on the county\u2019s oversight board (the Local Government Corporation) for the expo center project, said, \u201cYou guys continue to do ridiculous things.\u201d<\/p>\n

Isett voted against going forward a couple times on the LGC over the last year.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow do you lease a building when there is no building there? \u2026 When you had a chance to step back and take a breath and reconsider, you just plowed ahead without a single question from this dais \u2013 not a single question,\u201d Isett said concerning a Commissioners Court meeting in January.<\/p>\n

Ysidro Gutierrez, a former county commissioner, said \u201cIf it is something that you would not do for your own family, then you should ask those questions of yourself before you vote on this particular item. My recommendation is that this item be rejected.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cPut a stop to it. \u2026 It\u2019s not working out,\u201d Gutierrez added.<\/p>\n

Jennifer Bubany said, \u201cWhat you\u2019re about to vote on is not in the best interest of Lubbock County.\u201d<\/p>\n

Corley responded to the public comments in his conversation with Lubbock Lights.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey didn\u2019t like the location. Now they don\u2019t like the contract. They didn\u2019t like the agreements. They didn\u2019t like moving forward. It\u2019s the same sour grapes we\u2019ve heard from the beginning,\u201d Corley said.<\/p>\n

\n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Related posts\t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"After an anxious discussion, County Commissioners approved a lease agreement for the proposed Lubbock County Expo Center on…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":347345,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[168,170,169],"class_list":["post-347344","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-lubbock","tag-lubbock","tag-lubbock-headlines","tag-lubbock-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347344","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=347344"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/347344\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/347345"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=347344"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=347344"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=347344"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}