The Odessa College Board of Trustees has approved a resolution formalizing a tax abatement agreement with Oberon Solar LLC.
The company plans to build a solar project in west Ector County.
Board member Gary Johnson said the agreement was that Oberon would create at least two new jobs and invest at least $50 million. OC agreed to provide a 100 percent tax abatement for the first five years and 50 percent the next five years.
Johnson said the idea was to get the company to invest more upfront. He said he heard Tuesday that Oberon could be investing $150 million.
On a separate item, as part of the Globe Theater revitalization project, the board approved a $458,643 bid from Basin Electric and Technology of Midland. The bid includes an audio system and installation, acoustic panel installation, theatrical lighting and installation and performance and payment bonds, information from the board meeting said.
Estimated completion date is Aug. 31.
Odessa College commissioned a sound study by Marsh PMK for the Globe Theater to conceptualize a new sound system design to “optimize sound quality and system functionality,” the information said.
The current lighting system needs to be replaced because it is outdated and cannot be fixed, the information said.
Along with the bid from Basin Electric and Technology, a $529,675 bid was received from San Antonio Sound & Lighting. The firm estimated its completion date would be October, the information said.
Vice President for Business Affairs Virginia Chisum said all the funds for improvements at the Globe were raised privately. The total was more than $750,000 and there is $543,000 left.
She said the college wants to save as much money as possible for landscaping outside the theater.
On a separate item, the board reorganized. Tommy Clark is now president, replacing Royce Bodiford. Gary Johnson was named board vice president; Larry Johnson as secretary; and Neil Grape as assistant secretary.
In other business:
- Jeff Meyers, executive director for advancement, said $45,878.30 was raised by employees for the student success scholarships. This was with 97 percent participation. Meyers said the goal was $42,000 with 95 percent participation.
- Johnson, Miller & Co. was appointed as OC’s independent auditor.
- In a report from President Gregory Williams, he noted that the Options Gallery in Sedate Hall has been named the Phillips Goff Gallery for Barry Phillips the Elder, a retired art instructor, and Steve Goff, chairman of the photography department at OC.
- Tabled a request for consent from the board of trustees of the Odessa Junior College District to sell property for less than the market value specified in the judgment of foreclosure and less than the amount of judgment.
