TAX NEWS - 2010

Texas Tax: Washington County commissioners will consider tax abatement for packaging company

The Washington County Commissioners' Court will look at commercial tax phase-in for Stanpac USA, LLC during their meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the courthouse.

The total city-county abatement is estimated at about $92,000.

"This is the same abatement the city of Brenham did," County Judge Dorothy Morgan said. "They will pay taxes every year but they will get credit for the number of employees they hire or the investment they bring in."

Stanpac, USA will relocate from Dallas, move 30 employees into the Brenham area and will bring 60 more jobs.

"The average base salary will be $30,000 and this is a great, clean business for the community," Morgan said. "A building that was once empty will be occupied and the relocated workers will need homes in the community."

Stanpac will move into the old Mount Vernon Mills facility, which was purchased by Blue Bell Creameries. Stanpac manufactures packaging for ice cream products.

Local officials have pointed out that not all of the company's taxes will be abated; Brenham school district and Blinn College will receive 100 percent of their taxes due, estimated at about $240,000 for the eight-year abatement.

They also said that after eight years, all of the improvements will be on the rolls of every taxing entity.

Also on the agenda:

- The Extension office will present the quarterly report providing updates on the extension education programs.

- Act on a replat for Doe Run Farm subdivision tracts 18 and 19 in Precinct 1.

- Approve the grant award and contract with the Texas comptroller for the SECO Stimulus Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

- Advertise for sealed bids for an oil and gas lease on a 562.44 acre tract located in the Washington County School Lands Survey 105 A-3942.

- Approve the fairgrounds rental and contracts.

- Approve accounts payable.

- Hear monthly reports for the county officials, tax assessor, treasurer's monthly financial, constables, Washington County fairgrounds management and emergency management coordinator.

- Approve the Road and Bridge secretary's salary adjustment.

- Approve the jail nurse's salary adjustment.

There will be a workshop following the meeting to discuss the road surfacing needs in Washington County with Texas Engineering Extension Service adjunct instructors.