Thursday, March 28, 2024

Teaming up

Posted

The county this week formally accepted a rebate check of more than $95,000 and may later designate the funds to help create a new economic development partnership with the city and chamber.

The county, city and chamber had such a partnership at one time but its Economic Development Corporation was disbanded several years ago.

Now they want to bring it back.

The check accepted by the Commissioners Court was for $95,384.53 and came from the Texas comptroller. County Judge Ron Massingill said the money represents unclaimed electrical rebates, and that the county receives such rebates from the comptroller every year.

Massingill recommended using the money for an economic development partnership, a project that he said he feels “is so worthwhile.”

Massingill said he would like to see more jobs paying $50,000-$60,000 per year and more people ages 29-49 making their living in Hood County.

“All of our children, as soon as they graduate from our schools here, they’re off to the Fort Worth, DFW Metroplex,” he said.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Dave Eagle recommended that the court vote to accept the money and “then we can explore what the judge is suggesting.”

If the court decides to designate the money for an economic development partnership, that vote will take place at a future meeting.

During its budget workshop this year and the one last year, Granbury city officials discussed the need to revive an economic development partnership with the county and chamber but took no official action.

Although funds for an economic development partnership have not specifically been budgeted, the city has placed funds in contingency that are earmarked for such a program.

“The city manager has been working with the chamber and county to prepare for moving forward with an economic development partnership,” Public Information Officer Bethany Warner said, adding that an item to that effect will be on Tuesday night’s agenda for the regular City Council meeting.

“Should the City Council vote in favor of moving forward with funding for this partnership, they will be able to take action to move the funds from contingency and dedicate them to this purpose,” Warner said.

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