CITY COUNCIL NOMINATES BLUE BELL TO ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM

  

Brenham City Council approved nominating Blue Bell Creameries for the Texas Enterprise Zone Program during a brief special meeting this (Friday) afternoon. Blue Bell plans over $40 million in capital expenditures over the next 5 years at their plant in Brenham. The investments would qualify the Brenham location for inclusion in the state program. Blue Bell will be constructing a new fleet shop and an additional production facility. The Texas Enterprise Zone Program is designed to encourage private investment and job creation in economically distressed areas. Companies that qualify for the program receive a rebate of their state sales and use taxes based on their capital expenditures and job creation or retention.  Blue Bell released this statement after the nomination was passed by the city council: "We are excited for this opportunity and appreciate the support of our city council. We believe this expansion project shows our commitment to the community, our employees and the quality of our operations. This expansion will allow us add employees, bring new products to market and expand into more territories."

Councilmembers also voted unanimously for a resolution opposing the Bluebonnet Haven Residential Facility. The resolution points to the resolution passed by Brenham ISD in April that also opposes Bluebonnet Haven. The Brenham ISD resolution states that they lack the resources and specialized staff required to educate the residents at the facility. It also states the facility would add to the number of special education students in the district. The percentage of special education students in Brenham ISD already exceeds the state average by 5 percent due to the Brenham State Supported Living Center and 3 group homes being located here. Council tabled action on the resolution last week after councilmember Danny Goss recused himself from the vote because his company served as a contractor on the project. That left the council with less than a quorum to take a vote.

The Bluebonnet Haven facility is currently under construction on Highway 36 South of Brenham, across from the entrance to the Brenham State Supported Living Center. When it is completed, they will seek licensing from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. A public hearing in Brenham on the facility would be required as part of that licensing. If Bluebonnet Haven is granted a license, they could begin housing troubled teenagers at the 32 bed facility this fall.