EDC Making Progress
The Taylor Economic Development Corporation (EDC) considered a variety of issues at their meeting this month. President Jason Ford anticipates a number of decisions on final contracts will be made at their February meeting.

Paul Woodfin of Texas State Technical College requested the support of the EDC regarding the East Williamson County Higher Education Center. The board requested that the group return to the next meeting with more information on the construction schedule and other financial contributors to the project.

The EDC approved an increase in the agreement value for KG Industries, a custom formulator of protective coatings and lubricants for firearms, plastic and rubber molds, baking equipment, automotive and industrial needs. The increase will help with engineering studies and plans required to meet international building code. KG plans to move from Wisconsin to Taylor in the near future.

Ford expects construction to begin in the winter and the plant to employ eight to 10 people. Return investment analysis indicates it will be cash flow positive over the 10 years of the agreement, said Ford.

Project Net/Eccentrix Technologies, LLC is looking to move their headquarters to Taylor from the Coupland area. The board provided instructions on how best to proceed with a property purchase.

Ford also reports that Taylor is the Texas finalist working to attract Solar Products manufacturing - a non-Texas company that integrates flexible solar panels into their projects.

Ford reports that Taylor regularly ranks as a second or third choice for businesses looking to relocate since taxing in Texas is good, but that the incentive process for Texas companies takes time. He speculates that property tax reduction might be a better incentive for businesses in the long term as opposed to job-based incentives like the Texas Back to Work program.

The next Taylor EDC meeting will be Feb. 17 at 4:30 p.m.