ORD 2009-06 - TX Enterprise Zone Program Weatherford Nomination 11-11-2008C0 _17111� IIIj3I It
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE,
TEXAS ORDAINING THE CITY'S PARTICIPATION IN THE TEXAS
ENTERPRISE ZONE PROGRAM PURSUANT TO THE TEXAS ENTERPRISE
ZONE ACT, CHAPTER 2303, TEXAS GOVERNMENT CODE (THE "ACT "),
PROVIDING TAX INCENTIVES, DESIGNATING A LIAISON FOR
COMMUNICATION WITH INTERESTED PARTIES, NOMINATING
WEATHERFORD US, LP TO THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR,
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND TOURISM ( "EDT ") THROUGH THE
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BANK (THE "BANK ") AS AN ENTERPRISE
PROJECT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Huntsville, Texas desires to create the proper
economic and social environment to induce the investment of private resources in productive
business enterprises located in certain areas of the City and to provide employment to residents
of such area; and
WHEREAS, the project or activity is located in an area designated as an enterprise zone; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Chapter 2303, Subchapter F of the Act, Weatherford has applied to the
City for designation as an enterprise project; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that Weatherford meets the criteria for tax relief and other incentives
adopted by the City on the grounds that it will be located at a qualified business site, and will
create a higher level of employment, economic activity and stability; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing to consider this Ordinance was held by the City Council on
November 11, 2008;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS THAT:
Section 1. The City nominates Weatherford for enterprise project status.
Section 2. The following local incentives, at the election of the City Council, are or may be
made available to the nominated project or activity of the qualified business:
A. The City may abate taxes or enter into payment in lieu of taxes agreements with respect
to the increase in value of real property improvements and eligible personal property that
locate in a designated enterprise zone. The level of abatement shall be based upon the
extent to which the business receiving the abatement creates jobs for qualified
employees, in accordance with the City of Huntsville Tax Abatement Policy, and with
qualified employee being defined by the Act.
B. The City may provide programs to promote, improve and increase the value of real estate
and new investment, including:
1) tax increment financing;
2) freeport exemption; or
C. The City may provide regulatory relief to businesses, including:
1) zoning changes or variances;
2) exemptions from impact fees, or inspection fees; or
3) streamlined permitting.
D. The City may provide enhanced municipal services to businesses, including:
1) improved police and fire protection; or
2) institution of community crime prevention programs.
E. The City may provide improvements in community facilities, including:
1) capital improvements in water and sewer facilities; or
2) road repair.
F. The City may provide improvements to housing, including:
1) low- interest loans for housing rehabilitation, improvement, or new construction;
or
2) transfer of abandoned housing to individuals or community groups.
G. The City may provide business and industrial development services, including:
1) low- interest loans and grants for businesses;
2) creation of special one -stop permitting and problem resolution centers or
ombudsmen; or
3) promotion and marketing services.
H. The City, through its funding of other agencies, may provide job training and
employment services to businesses, including:
1) retraining programs;
2) literacy and employment skills programs;
3) vocational education; or
4) customized job training.
Section 3. The enterprise zone areas within the City are reinvestment zones in accordance
with the Texas Tax Code, Chapter 312.
Section 4. The City Council hereby directs and designates W for the
City of Huntsville as the City's liaison to communicate and negotiate- ith the E T through the
Bank and enterprise project(s) and to oversee zone activities and communications with qualified
businesses and other entities in the enterprise zone or affected by an enterprise project.
Section 5. The City Council finds that Weatherford meets the criteria for designation as an
enterprise project under Chapter 2303, Subchapter F of the Act on the following grounds:
A. Weatherford is a "qualified business" under Section 2303.402 of the Act since it will be
engaged in the active conduct of a trade or business at a qualified business site within the
governing body's jurisdiction, located inside of an enterprise zone and at least twenty -
five percent (25 %) of the business' new employees will be residents of an enterprise zone
or economically disadvantaged individuals;
B. There has been and will continue to be a high level of cooperation between public,
private, and neighborhood entities in the area;
C. The designation of Weatherford as an enterprise project will contribute significantly to
the achievement of the plans of the City for development and revitalization of the area.
Section 6. The enterprise project shall take effect on the date of designation of the enterprise
project by EDT and terminate on December 1, 2013.
Section 7. That this Ordinance shall be and become effective immediately upon and after its
passage and approval.
PASSED AND APPROVED on this the 11th day of November, 2008.
THE CITY OF HUNTSVILLE, TEXAS
Brim, City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Thomas A. Leep , City Attorney