Here is a recap of what was featured in the Wednesday, June 21, e-edition of the Taylor Press. The e-edition is mailed to subscribers and available at www. taylorpress.net.
METT SUMMIT SERIES: WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
ELGIN – Experts in business, education and government met May 18 to plan how to meet the workforce needs of Manor, Elgin and Taylor while maintaining vibrant communities for small and large businesses alike.
The panel included Mayor of Taylor Brandt Rydell, Austin Community College’s Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs Chris Cervini, Board member of Elgin’s Economic Development Corporation and owner of Southside Market & Barbecue Bryan Bracewell. The publisher of the Austin Business Journal Abby Mellott mediated.
Communications & Community Affairs Head for Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Michele Glaze said Samsung has developed partnerships with local institutions, organizations and governments to fill the wide variety of advanced manufacturing positions that will be needed in the next few years.
IRE OVER INCENTIVES IN HUTTO
HUTTO – While economic development advisors tout “you have to spend money to make money,” residents are starting to ask, “how much is too much?” when it comes to city incentives and tax abatements.
Council member Randal Clark blames misinformation social media for the public outcry. Much of it concerned incentives for Project ESLO (Wolfcamp Development, LLC), an upscale strip center to be located on the southeast corner of Ed Schmidt Boulevard and the future Live Oak Street extension.
Recent city meetings have found Clark and other council members clashing over how to approach incentives.
The incentive proposal for Project ESLO stirred tempers as council members argued over crucial points, not least of which was the funding sources.
ESLO AGREEMENT STILL UNAPPROVED
HUTTO – Cheney Gamboa, assistant director of economic development, brought bad news to council June 15, the Hutto Economic Development Corp. did not approve an amended agreement for Project ESLO.
On June 1, Gamboa brought an agreement to council from the EDC to approve. After long discussion, council voted to approve the agreement with a few changes. The agreement went back to the EDC for final signatures.
Changes included a moratorium on nail salons, general dentistry offices and drivethrough windows; a clause prohibiting food truck sales tax from counting toward the development’s performance goals; and a term change on the sales tax rebate agreement that would allow the city to see some benefit from taxes collected.
