Next steps taken to bring new business to county

_{Milam County Commissioners took further action to attract a major manufacturing company to the area on Monday.}

_{Commissioners voted unanimously to order a public hearing, create a reinvestment zone, and order a tax abatement agreement to help bring American Statesman Glove Company to the Alcoa property outside of Rockdale.}

_{The new business would invest $775 million and could create 1,500 jobs for the area. The county chose a 70 percent total abatement over 10 years, though that would be front-loaded at the company’s request. The agreement would lead to a 100 percent abatement over the initial four years of the agreement and then 50 percent for the remaining life of that agreement. The agreement would also be contingent on the company meeting certain building and hiring requirements.} 

_{“The new jobs and investment will pay the taxes back in spades,” Milam County Judge Steve Young said.  “If the glove company comes to Milam County, it plans to make a $775 million investment in the County.  Thus, eventually the county will receive tax revenue on $775 million.  It also plans to employ about 1,500 people with start out pay at $20 per hour and it will also pay handsome fringe benefits.  This will bring individual investment in the County in terms of houses, good and services.  It will also increase sales tax revenue for all taxing entities in the county.”}

_{Bill Hart, CEO of American Statesman Glove Company, made a presentation to commissioners to update the court on the company’s progress.}  

_{“The future is bright for this new company,” Young said. “While no decision has been made as to where the company will land, our guess is that the tax abatement gives the county a distinct advantage.”}

_{Commissioners voted to end their child vaccination incentives at the end of this month and learned their small business grant program is nearing the $1 million cap they set.} 

_{Milam County also read a proclamation for 4-H Week and learned more about the application they submitted for grant funding toward a regional training center.} 

_{In other business commissioners also: heard legal opinions that responded to possible budget and tax rate complaints previously brought to the court; moved to table a request from Minerva Volunteer Fire Department for a $30,000 no-interest loan; approved interlocal agreements with the cities of Cameron and Thorndale; and heard updates on COVID-19.}