Big Jolly Politics

politics in Harris County and Texas

Buc-ee’s gets a handout from City of Katy

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On March 14th the City of Katy city council approved and passed a resolution authorizing the Katy Economic Development Council to enter into an economic development agreement with Buc-ee’s LTD for trio of financial incentives that will easily top in excess of two million, three hundred thousand dollars ($2,300,000) over the next twenty (20) years.

Porky Pig

Under the terms of the agreement the Katy Economic Development Authority will rebate payments to Buc-ee’s Ltd from sales taxes and property taxes derived from the construction of a new Buc-ee’s Travel Center & pay a reimbursement to defray road engineering costs.

The first incentive –an “Authority Sales Tax Payment”—will be paid to Buc-ee’s Ltd from sales taxes actually collected from the property for a period of twenty (20) years. The second incentive is derived through the growth of actual ad valorem taxes collected from the property. (As a homeowner in Katy or elsewhere in Fort Bend County you’re getting a rebate on the amount your property taxes have grown too, right?). Buc-cee’s will receive this property tax increment payment each year until aggregate payments total $2,000,000.

Lastly, and to add further insult to Katy and other Fort Bend County homeowners, the Katy Economic Development Authority will reimburse the developer of the Buc-ee’s Ltd Travel Center for up to $300,000 in engineering costs associated with an 1-10 off ramp and road frontage project with TxDot.

Read it all here. Buc-ee’s Economic Development Agreement

BJP interviews Wayne Thompson – Fort Bend County Constable Pct 3 Republican Run-off

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Last night yours truly spoke with Wayne Thompson, Republican candidate for Fort Bend County Constable Precinct 3. Wayne, a 37 year resident of Fort Bend County Precinct 3, chatted with me about where-in-the-world Fort Bend County Precinct 3 is located, how he and the 28-year incumbent ended up in the Republican run-off and discusses the pressing issues of residents and business owners in the precinct.

Wayne’s peace officer and state certifications are notable and praiseworthy. He’s a Licensed Texas Master Peace Officer, Firefighter, and Licensed Paramedic and also served in the Texas Army National Guard and the Texas State Guard. He’s a recipient of AMVETS, the American Legion’s award for military excellence and the Sons of the American Revolution award for “Outstanding Citizenship” for his efforts in the restoration of the historic Hodges Bend cemetery located in Precinct 3.

Wayne was quite gracious, patient and thorough in explaining the basics of the civil and patrol matters performed by Constable’s office—if you reside in the Cinco Ranch, Weston Lakes, Pecan Grove, Katy, Simonton or Fulshear area, this interview is worth a listen.