The City Council gave conditional approval for a cost-sharing agreement not to exceed $750,000 between the city and the Park 79 Commercial Center industrial development during Thursday’s meeting.
The funds will pay for the developer increasing the size of water and wastewater lines by 50 percent so the city can provide utility services to nearby developments.
In other business May 8, city officials shed more light on an agreement involving land near Samsung Austin Semiconductor and honored a retiring library director.
Regarding Park 79 Commercial Center, the funds would be paid within 30 days after the lines are completed and approved, officials said.
Money will come from the city’s capital improvements projects balance.
“It is a cost savings. If the city had to come back and upsize these lines it would cost way more. This is the most cost-effective way for the city to get appropriate-sized water and wastewater lines for development in the area,” said Scott Dunlop, director of development services.
Park 79 Commercial Center is building three large industrial buildings at 3500 W. Second St. near the Taylor Municipal Airport. The developer also previously received approval for a 100% credit on its roadway-impact fee because they are building a portion of CR 401, which will be a city road.
City recoups $291M in land value
Samsung Austin Semiconductor has agreed to carve out 7.72 acres from the property included in its Tax Increment Financing zone. The property, valued at $291 million, is owned by the South Korean company but is being used by Linde Gas Co.
“They are basically a boutique gas company to provide wholesale gas for the manufacturing of chips at the Samsung site. Linde Gas was not included in the abatement or any of the current agreements with Samsung,” said City Manager Brian LaBorde.
The amendment to remove Linde Gas from the TIF was first announced at a specialcalled meeting April 30. On Thursday, the council held a public hearing and approved the amendment with no dissension voiced.
LaBorde said the city will work with the Williamson County Central Appraisal District to add the land back to the city’s tax rolls.
“All the taxable value will be coming out with the exception of 10% and I want to make this clear. That 10% will be used to help pay back the cap that was also negotiated on the development review reimbursement agreement. Ninety percent will be going back in the general fund,” LaBorde said.
Mayor Dwayne Ariola praised Samsung as a good partner for the city, and said the tax revenue from the land would benefit the city for years to come.
“It’s huge for us. It’s potentially up to $2 million recurring every year from this point forward so future councils will be able to decide what infrastructure, what streets, what utilities will be improved,” the mayor said.
Karen Ellis Day
Council members also honored retiring Taylor Public Library Director Karen Ellis with a proclamation from the city naming May 8 as Karen Ellis Day.
Ellis, who is leaving after 20 years, also received a commemorative plaque.
“I appreciate all the support that we have through our library advisory board, our Friends of the Library group and our other library support organizations. They pitch in when we run out of money and that’s super important because we still want to provide the programming and the supplies and all of the other stuff that we do that isn’t just books,” Ellis said.
“We want to be the first place that a new resident comes to see. We are the first place. And it’s important as we’re having young families moving in and more people coming in,” she added.
City officials said Ellis secured numerous grants enhancing the library. They also noted she played a critical role in the design and development of the library’s current building. In addition, she often served as a historian, sharing her knowledge of Taylor and helping to preserve and celebrate the community’s heritage.
In addition to Ellis’ commendation, the council issued proclamations recognizing National Salvation Army Week, Building Safety Month, National Police Week and National Public Works Week.
