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County approves tax abatement

Posted Monday, February 1, 2010

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Brazoria County has approved a seven-year, 90 percent tax abatement for Phase I of the 3M Company's move to Angleton.

This company, which is best known for such products as Scotchgard fabric protectors and Post-It Notes, plans to purchase the 75,000-square-foot building formerly occupied by the Grief Brothers' barrel manufacturing facility.

The tax abatement application filed by 3M states that the company's operation here will bring about 65 jobs to Brazoria County.

Court members, who approved the abatement unanimously, said the company plans to make a significant investment in connection with the project, and tentatively plans one or more expansions in the future.

Work on the existing site is expected to begin early this year. The company is currently in negotiations for an additional 24-acre tract adjacent to the existing site.

A ten-year, 90 percent tax abatement for 3M had previously been approved by Angleton City Council.

Two citizens spoke in favor of the abatement issue and another opposed it.

Robert Worley, CEO of the county's Economic Development Alliance, told court members that even with the seven-year abatement, the county's taxes will show a net profit every year the company is in business.

Melanie Oldham, who frequently addresses the court on public health issues, added her endorsement, calling 3M a good company with a good health record.

John Corder, however, opposed the abatement, saying that as a county taxpayer, he felt the company could stand on its own as far as taxes are concerned.

In other action at the meeting the court:

- Heard a report from Sheriff Charles Wagner that the county's adult detention facility "passed with flying colors" when the Texas Jail Commission performed a surprise inspection there.

- Approved a change order to increase by almost $10,000 the amount previously allowed for additional repairs to the pier at Quintana County Park. This award, to Brazos M&E of Clute, will now be $93,235, which will cover replacement of 92 pier plates that tie the pile caps to the pier's piling.

- Approved the filing of certifications of the county's juvenile detention and residential facilities.

- Issued $19,550,000 in Unlimited Tax Road Bonds approved by voters several years ago.

- Approved the county's final contribution of $396,559.54 for the transportation improvement project at SH 288 and CR 101.

- Authorized funding of a grade separation project at an expenditure of not over $630,081.57 to GC Engineering Inc. This will cover preliminary engineering on CR 101, which will be widened to a four-lane boulevard from FM 1128 to CR 90.

- Approved other agreements in connection with transportation projects on CR 101 and CR 48.

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