WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS TO FURTHER DISCUSS SILVER CRAYON PROJECT
Washington County Commissioners will meet Tuesday to take up further discussion and possible action on a large economic development project potentially coming to the area.
After approving the creation of a tax reinvestment zone for commercial tax phase-in for Corrosion Resistant Alloys, LP at their meeting November 10th, commissioners will consider an agreement for development and tax phase-in for the company.
The estimated value of eligible property improvements for tax phase-in incentives is at least $40 million. The tax phase-in would apply to 173.1 acres of land at 4300 Highway 290 East, just outside of Brenham city limits.
The company involved with the project, referred to as “Silver Crayon,” is a manufacturer of high grade corrosion-resistant alloy tubes, with a primary market in the upstream oil and gas industry. It has a global headquarters in Houston.
According to the agreement, the company must create within the first year—and maintain throughout the tax phase-in incentive period of no more than ten years—a minimum of ten jobs at an average salary of $36,000 or higher, including any benefits. The tax reinvestment zone approved by commissioners November 10th expires in five years, unless further action is taken by them.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the court will consider a proposed 2019-20 Fiscal Year budget amendment to the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) fund. This budget amendment would allocate $55,647 to the City of Brenham, $20,000 of which would be awarded to Washington on the Brazos for the 2021 Independence Day Celebration campaign. Meanwhile, $35,647 would be awarded for a Washington County Tourism Recovery Campaign, as previously approved by the HOT Board.
According to City of Brenham Chief Financial Officer Carolyn Miller, no additional HOT funds need to be disbursed by the county, as the $55,647 is already in the city’s restricted cash balance.
Commissioners will also consider:
- Advertising for sealed bids for the Washington County EMS hangar facility internal construction completion.
- Presenting services awards to county employees with five years of service.
- Accepting the resignation of John Barton, current board chairman of the Washington County Historical Commission, as of December 31st. Commissioners will look to appoint Tom Stevens as board chair for Barton’s 2021-22 term, if Barton’s resignation is accepted.
- Approval of a letter agreement from Rutledge Crain and Company, PC to provide auditing services to the county for the year ending December 31, 2020.
- Reallocation of IT machinery and equipment funds for the purchase of disaster recovery software and equipment.
- Approval of an order affecting representation of indigent defendants in county court, along with the approval of contracts with four attorneys to represent indigent defendants in district court.
- Formal notice of utility installation for a 12-inch natural gas pipeline by AMP Texas Pipeline, LLC for Old Mill Creek Road, Adamek Road, Indian Creek Road, and Happy Hollow Road in Precinct Four.
- Formal notice of utility installation for a 12-inch natural gas pipeline by AMP Texas Pipeline, LLC for Helm Road in Precinct Three.
- A monthly report from Washington County Fairgrounds management.
Commissioners will meet Tuesday morning at 9 a.m. at the Washington County Courthouse Annex.