WASHINGTON CO. COMMISSIONERS HEAR REPORT ON LOCAL BUSINESS GROWTH, HOUSING
Local business growth and housing were some of the topics addressed during an economic report given to Washington County Commissioners today (Tuesday).
Economic and Community Development Director Teresa Rosales told the court that her office has received six tax phase-in applications for economic projects since April 1st. The applications come with the prospect of a cumulative 225 new jobs and capital investment of $72 million in the county.
Rosales said the amount of applications received is significant because it far outpaces historical trends and indicates upward trajectories for the existing local businesses that are applying.
No extended discussion was had on any of the applications in particular. However, one of the tax phase-in requests previously received, coming from Stanpac, was approved by commissioners. The agreement will allow Stanpac to receive incentives for eligible property improvements and job creation as it expands its product line with new equipment at its Brenham facility. The total capital investment for the project is $5.5 million, with the company expecting to add 10 employees and double sales to $12 million within a few years. Stanpac’s request was approved by the Brenham City Council last month.
Last fall, former Economic Development Director Susan Cates said a stronger emphasis would be placed this year on supporting local businesses already within the community, rather than bringing in new ones.
Moving into housing, Rosales shared federal census numbers that showed Washington County’s median household income in 2021 was not enough to adequately support mortgage payments on a $250,000 home. Commissioner Candice Bullock said due to high property valuations and other economic factors, it is “very, very difficult to make it in this community.”
Rosales said a housing task force appointed by the City of Brenham is working through recommendations to present city leaders. Potential changes to municipal code regarding condos, smaller lots and auxiliary dwelling units will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday and the city council on August 3rd.
Hiring was also a point of discussion. Rosales said a human resources roundtable continues to meet and talk about challenges in bringing in new employees and possible solutions. She said nowadays, more attention needs to be placed on the benefits and characteristics of a job outside of wages in order to truly be competitive.
Rosales concluded her report with an update on the Brenham Main Street program. She said time is being taken to look at the events and grants Brenham Main Street offers to make sure the public is getting the most out of the events and explore the possibility of adding more grants.
Also during session, commissioners:
- Approved the purchase of five Dell Latitude 5430 rugged laptops for the sheriff’s office, to be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act. The purchase will come to approximately $13,000.
- Tabled a service agreement between the sheriff’s office and Voice Products Service, LLC. Commissioner Kirk Hanath said the agreement needs to go through the legal office and has not done so yet because he was unable to meet with the county judge to discuss a question about the service. He apologized for the delay and said the item will come back to the court next week.
- Approved attempting to sell old personal protective equipment (PPE) supplies through GovDeals. County Facilities Manager Bobby Branham said if the county is unable to sell the supplies, it can offer them to nonprofit organizations.
- Appointed the tax assessor-collector chief appraiser to calculate the county’s no-new-revenue tax rate and voter-approval rate.
- Received a quarterly report from the human resources department.