I’m happy for this decision. GRISD had first right of refusal to buy the center, and this was after A J Investments had been okayed by Somervell County. More on that What I like is that the Expo, assuming the sale with AJ is a done deal now, would bring tax money on the rolls. A J Investments, incidentally, are the same group that bought the Texas Amphitheatre. Somervell County has this topic on the agenda for the 11/24/2024 meeting “Accept waiver of first right of refusal from GRISD on Expo property” Overbo, below, refers to a 99 year lease agreement in which GRISD would have ability to use the facilities 25 days per year; GRISD does not own the Expo. Assuming that the County has no control over the Expo once sold, it would seem like a deal between GRISD and A J Enterprises. But I don’t know for sure and have done an open records request asking for the deal between GRISD and A J Investments. In fact, that was part of the County agreement done before, with A J Investments, that even if they had bought or leased it originally, without GRISD being part of it with the first right of refusal, A J Investments was going to generously give them those days for the school to use.
Do have to comment on something I think is weird and looks a little bit like extortion or at least a quid pro quo for A J Consulting to get the Expo, in my opinion. Listen to this audio from the Nov 21, 2024 meeting. (Also note that the first part of this is not even a topic on the agenda, how would the public know the Expo Committee was going to be discussed? If you think GRISD should do better, including following the Texas Open Meetings Act better, maybe tell the board to put what is actually going to be discussed on the agenda)
This is the item that IS on the agenda and I wonder about
5.F. Consider Accepting An Unconditional and Unrestricted Donation of $500,000.00 Cash By AJ Real Estate Investments, LLC Presenter: Trig Overbo
Basically, A J investments decided to donate money to the tune of $500,000 to GRISD which would go into the general fund. Nothing illegal about doing this, and certainly the fact that public schools are being stiffed by Republicans in the Texas Legislature, schools can be grateful for getting money. But I’d love to know the background on this. Who offered $500,000, A J Investments or was this part of a closed meeting in which the idea of perhaps GRISD waiving their right of first refusal to buying the Expo (unless A J sells it) brought in a donation? In fact, Overbo’s letter says
A J Investments has graciously donated $500,000 to Glen Rose ISD to terminate/waive our first right of refusal
This is the letter from Dr Overbo regarding GRISD basically turning down purchasing the Expo. PDF link
