HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution - 4288 - Adopt Tax Abatement Guidelines For Taxing Jurisdictions In Lubbock County - 10_14_1993Resolution No. 4288
October 14, 1993
Item #47
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF LUBBOCK, TEXAS,
ELECTING TO BECOME ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN A TAX ABATEMENT PROGRAM IN
ACCORD WITH THE PROPERTY REDEVELOPMENT AND TAX ABATEMENT ACT AND ADOPTING
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT FOR ALL TAXING UNITS
CONTAINED WITHIN LUBBOCK COUNTY.
WHEREAS, the City of Lubbock, Texas, is committed to the promotion of
high quality economic development in all parts of Lubbock County, Texas and
to an ongoing improvement in quality of life for the citizens residing
within Lubbock County;
WHEREAS, the City of Lubbock recognizes that these objectives are
generally served by enhancement and expansion of the local economy;
WHEREAS, the City of Lubbock herewith determines that it is in the
best interest of the citizens and economic development of the City of
Lubbock to give consideration to providing tax abatement, as authorized by
V.T.C.A. Tax Code, Sec. 312.001 through 312.4011, as stimulation for
economic development within the City of Lubbock;
WHEREAS, the promotion of economic development in the City of Lubbock
is strongly desired by the City Council;
WHEREAS, the amended Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act
allows for the creation of tax abatement zones to local criteria; and,
WHEREAS, the creation of tax abatement zones in the City of Lubbock
and its extraterritorial jurisdiction can lead to future economic
development by encouraging investment and creating jobs;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
LUBBOCK, TEXAS;
That the City of Lubbock elects to participate in a tax abatement
program as authorized by the Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act
and to that end herewith adopts the attached GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA
GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT FOR ALL TAXING UNITS CONTAINED WITHIN LUBBOCK
COUNTY, a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit "A" and made a part
hereof by reference.
PASSED AND APPROVED this 14th day of October , 1993.
ATTEST:
Betty M. Oohnson,VC!ty Secretary
AP
Deve
APPROVED AS TO FORM: -�
UOMIa u. vana-vver,
City Attorney
DGV:da/AGENDA-A1/?AXABATE.res
September 30. 1993
-2-
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAB ABATEMENT
FOR ALL TAXING UNITS CONTAINED WITHIN
LUBBOCK COUNTY
SECTION I. General Purposes
The Affected Jurisdictions located wholly within or par-
tially within the County of Lubbock, Texas, are committed to
the promotion of high quality development in all parts of
Lubbock County, Texas; and to an ongoing improvement in the
quality of life for the citizens residing within the Affected
Jurisdictions. The Affected Jurisdictions recognize that these
objectives are generally served by enhancement and expansion of
the local economy. The Affected Jurisdictions will, on a case
by case basis, give consideration to providing tax abatement,
as authorized by V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Section 312.001 through
Section 312.4011, as stimulation for economic development
within the Affected Jurisdictions. It is the policy of the
Affected Jurisdictions that said consideration will be provided
in accordance with the guidelines and criteria herein set forth
and in conformity with the Tax Code.
Nothing contained herein shall imply, suggest or be under-
stood to mean that the Affected Jurisdictions are under any
obligation to provide tax abatement to any applicant and atten-
tion is called to V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Section 312.002(d). With
the above rights reserved all applications for tax abatement
will be considered on a case by case basis.
SECTION II. Definitions:
As used within these guidelines and criteria, the follow-
ing words or phrases shall have the following meaning:
1. Abatement of Taxes: To exempt from ad valorem taxa-
tion all or part of the value of certain Improvements
placed on land located in a reinvestment zone desig-
nated for economic development purposes as of the
date •of execution of the Tax Abatement Agreement for
a period of time not to exceed ten (10) years.
2. Affected Jurisdiction: The County of Lubbock, any
municipality or any other governmental taxing unit
located totally within or partially within the County
of Lubbock.
"FINAL VERSION--OCTOBER 1993"
3. Abatement Agreement: (1) A contract between a prop-
erty owner and an Affected Jurisdiction for the
abatement of taxes on qualified property located
within the reinvestment zone; or, (2) a contract for
the abatement of taxes between an Affected Jurisdic-
tion and a certified air carrier who owns or leases
Real Property located within the reinvestment zone or
Personal Property or both as authorized by V.T.C.A.,
Tax Code, Section 312.204(e).
4. Base Year Value: The assessed value of property
eligible for tax abatement as of January 1 preceding
the execution of an Abatement Agreement as herein de-
fined.
5. Distribution Center Facility: A building or structure
including Tangible Personal Property used or to be
used primarily to receive, store, service or dis-
tribute goods or materials.
6. Expansion of Existing Facilities or Structures: The
addition of buildings, structures, machinery or
equipment to a Facility after the date of execution
of an Abatement Agreement.
7. Existing Facility or Structure: A Facility as of the
date of execution of the Tax Abatement Agreement,
located in or on Real Property eligible for tax
abatement.
8. Facility: The improvements made to Real Property eli-
gible for tax abatement and including the building or
structure erected on such Real Property and/or any
Tangible Personal Property to be located in or on
such property.
9. Improvements to Real Property or Improvements: Shall
mean the construction, addition to, structural up-
grading of, replacement of, or completion of any
facility located upon, or to be located upon, Real
Property, as herein defined, or any Tangible Personal
Property placed in or on said Real Property.
10. Manufacturing Facility: A Facility which is or will
be used for the primary purpose of the production of
goods or materials or the processing or change of
goods or materials to a finished product.
11. Modernization of Existing Facilities: The replacement
or upgrading of existing facilities.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 2 --
12. New Facility: The construction of a Facility on pre-
viously undeveloped real property eligible for tax
abatement.
13. other Basic Industry: A Facility other than a distri-
bution center facility, a research facility, a
regional service facility or a manufacturing facility
which produces goods or services or which creates new
or expanded job opportunities and services a market
either within or outside of Lubbock County, Texas.
14. Owner: The record title owner of Real Property or the
legal owner of Tangible Personal Property. In the
case of land leased from an Affected Jurisdiction the
lessee shall be deemed the owner of such leased prop-
erty together with all improvements and Tangible
Persnnal Property located thereon.
15. Productive Life: The number of years a Facility is
expected to be in service.
16. Real Property: Land on which Improvements are to be
made or fixtures placed.
17. Regional Services Facility: A Facility, the primary
purpose of which is to service or repair goods or
materials and which creates job opportunities within
the Affected Jurisdictions.
18. Reinvestment Zone: Real Property designated as a
Reinvestment Zone under the provisions of V.T.C.A.,
Tax Code, Section 312.202.
19. Research Facility: A Facility used or to be used
primarily for research or experimentation to improve
or develop new goods and/or services or to improve or
develop the production process for such goods and/or
services.
20. Tangible Personal Property: Any Personal Property,
not otherwise defined herein and which is necessary
for the proper operation of any type of Facility.
SECTION III. Intent of Criteria and Guidelines
The intent of the criteria and guidelines, as herein set
forth, is to establish the minimum standards which an applicant
for tax abatement must meet in order to be considered for such
status by the Affected Jurisdictions.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
.. Page 3 --
SECTION IV. Criteria and Guidelinesfor Tax Abatement:
1. Any type of Facility will be eligible for tax
abatement consideration provided such Facility meets
the following guidelines and criteria:
2. creation of new value: Abatement may only be granted
for the additional value resulting from any of the
following:
(a) modernization of a facility of any type herein
defined;
(b) construction of a new facility of any type as
herein defined;
(c) expansion of a facility of any type as herein
defined.
3. New or existing facilities, of any type herein
defined, located in a reinvestment zone or upon Real
Property eligible for such status will be eligible
for consideration for tax abatement status provided
all other criteria or guidelines are satisfied.
4. Improvements to Real Property are eligible for tax
abatement.status.
5. The following types of property shall be ineligible
for tax abatement status and shall be fully taxed:
(a) Real Property;
(b) inventories or supplies;
(c) tools;
(d) furnishings and other forms of movablb personal
property;
(e) vehicles;
(f) aircraft;
(g) housing;
(h) boats;
(i) hotel accommodations;
(j) motel accommodations;
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 4 -.
(k) retail businesses;
(1) property owned by the State of Texas or any
State agency; and,
(m) property owned or leased by a member of the
affected Jurisdiction.
6. In order for a Facility to qualify for abatement, one
of the following conditions must apply:
(a) The Real Property and eligible improvements and
Tangible Personal Property must be owned by the
same person, corporation, partnership or other
business entity; or,
(b) In the case of Real Property leased from
Affected Jurisdiction all improvements placed
thereon together with all Tangible Personal
Property used in conjunction with said
improvements must be owned by the same person,
corporation, partnership or other business
entity and said owner must have a lease
commitment of at least 15 years.
7. The amount and term of abatement shall be determined
on a case by case basis, however, in no event shall
taxes be abated for a term in excess of ten (10)
years. The amount of the taxable value of
Improvements to be abated and the term of the
abatement shall be determined by the municipality in
all cases where the property for which tax abatement
is applied for is within the City limits of the City
or by the County of Lubbock in all cases where the
property for which tax abatement is applied for is
outside of the City limits of a municipality, but
within the County of Lubbock. The authority of all
other taxing units shall be as set forth in V.T.C.A.,
Tax Code, Section 312.206.
8. No property. shall be eligible for tax abatement
unless such property is located in a reinvestment
zone in accordance with V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Section
312.202.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 5 --
9. The economic qualification for tax abatement shall be
as follows:
(a) New Facility:
1. The creation of a new Facility, which has
not previously existed within the Affected
Jurisdiction, and will be a totally new
business operation; and,
2. The improvements and Tangible Personal
Property to be erected.or affixed in or on
the Real Property for which tax abatement
is sought must be at a minimum value of one
millon dollars and the new Facility must
create and retain at least 10 new jobs
during the entire term established in the
Tax Abatement ,Agreement executed by
applicant and the Affected Jurisdiction;
or,
3. The new Facility, regardless of the value
as mentioned in Subparagraph 2 above, will
create and retain a minimum of 25 new jobs
during the entire term established in the
Tax Abatement Agreement executed by
applicant and the Affected Jurisdiction.
(b) Expansion of existing Facility:
1. The structural addition to a Facility in
the amount of at least $500,000 and the
creation and retention of new jobs equaling
10% of the prior work force at said
Facility during the entire term established
in the Tax Abatement Agreement executed by
applicant and the -Affected Jurisdiction;
or,
2. In the event the value of the structural
addition is less than $500,000, the
expansion will cause an increase in and
retention of the existing work force at
said Facility by at least 25% during the
entire term established in the Tax
Abatement Agreement executed by applicant
and the Affected Jurisdiction.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 6 --
(c) Modernization of existing Facility:
1. The replacement and upgrading of an
existing Facility and the value of such
improvements will be at a minimum value of
one million dollars. In addition, such
replacement and upgrading must create and
retain at least 10 new jobs during the
entire term established in the Tax
Abatement Agreement executed by applicant
and the Affected Jurisdiction; or,
2. In the event the value of the replacement
or upgrading is less than one million
dollars, the modernization will cause an
increase in and retention of the existing
work force at such Facility by at least 25%
during the entire term established in the
Tax Abatement Agreement executed by
applicant and the Affected Jurisdiction.
(d) Notwithstanding any of the requirements set
forth in Section 9, the governing body of an
Affected Jurisdiction upon the affirmative vote
of three -fourths of its members may vary any of
the above requirements when variation is
demonstrated by the applicant for Tax Abatement
that variation is in the best interest of the
Affected Jurisdiction to do so and will enhance
the economic development of the Affected
Jurisdiction. By way of example only and not by
limitation the governing body of an Affected
Jurisdiction may consider the following or
similar terms in determining whether a variance
shall be granted:
1. That the increase in. productivity of the
Facility will be substantial and hence
directly benefit the economy.
2. That the increase of goods or services
produced by the Facility will be
substantial and directly benefit the
economy.
3. That the employment maintained at the
Facility will be increased.
4. That the waiver of the requirement will
contribute and provide for the retention of
existing jobs within the Affected
Jurisdiction.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 7 --
5. That the applicant for tax abatement has
demonstrated that if tax abatement is
granted to his Facility even though his
Facility will not employ additional person-
nel that nevertheless due to the existence
of said Facility new jobs will be created
as a direct result of his Facility in other
facilities located within the Affected
Jurisdiction.
6. Any other evidence tending to show a direct
economic benefit to the Affected Jurisdic-
tion.
10. Taxability:
(a) The portion of the value of Improvements to be
abated shall be abated in accordance with the
terms and provisions of a Tax Abatement Agree-
ment executed between the Affected Jurisdiction
and the owner of the Real Property and/or Tangi-
ble Personal Property, [which agreement shall
be] in accord with the provisions of V.T.C.A.,
Tax Code, Section 312.205.
(b) All ineligible property, if otherwise taxable as
herein described, shall be fully taxed.
11. The governing body of each Affected Jurisdiction
shall have total discretion as to whether tax abate-
ment is to be granted. Such discretion, as herein
retained, shall be exercised on a case by case basis.
The adoption of these guidelines and criteria by the
governing body of an Affected Jurisdiction does not:
(a) Limit the discretion of the governing body to
decide whether to enter into a specific tax
abatement agreement;
(b) Limit the discretion of the governing body to
delegate to its employees the authority to
determine, whether or not the governing body
should consider a particular application or re-
quest for tax abatement; or,
(c) Create any property, contract, or other legal
right in any person to have the governing body
consider or grant a specific application or
request for tax abatement.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 8 --
12. The burden to demonstrate that an application for tax
abatement should be granted shall be upon the appli-
cant. Each Affected Jurisdiction to which the
application has been directed shall have full author-
ity to request any additional information from the
applicant that the governing body of such Affected
Jurisdiction deems necessary to assist it in consid-
ering such application.
SECTION V. Criteria and Guidelines for Creation of
Reinvestment Zone:
1. No property shall be eligible for tax abatement un-
less such property is located in a reinvestment zone
designated as such in accordance wlth V.T.C.A., Tax
Code, Section 312.202. To be designated as a rein-
vestment zone an area must meet one of the following:
(a) Substantially arrest or impair the sound growth
of the municipality or county creating the zone,
retard the provision of housing accommodations,
or constitute an economic or social liability
and be a menace to the public health, safety,
morals, or welfare in its present condition and
use because of the presence of:
(1) a substantial number of substandard, slum,
deteriorated, or deteriorating structures;
(2) the predominance of defective or inadequate
sidewalks or streets;
(3) faulty size, adequacy, accessibility or
usefulness of lots;
(4) unsanitary or unsafe conditions;
(5) the deterioration of site or other improve-
ments;
(6) tax or special assessment delinquency ex-
ceeding the fair value of the land;
(7) defective or unusual conditions of title;
(8) conditions that endanger life or property
by fire or other cause; or,
(9) any combination of these factors;
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 9 --
(b) Be predominantly open and, because of obsolete
platting, deterioration of structures or site
improvements, or other factors, substantially
impair or arrest the 'sound growth of the munici-
pality;
(c) Be in a federally assisted new community located
in a home -rule municipality or in an area imme-
diately adjacent to a federally assisted new
community located in a home -rule municipality;
(d) Be located entirely in an area that meets the
requirements for federal assistance under Sec-
tion 119 of the Housing and Community
Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. Section
5318);
(e) Encompass signs, billboards, or other outdoor
advertising structures designated by the govern -
body of the municipality for relocation,
reconstruction, or. removal for the purpose of
enhancing the physical environment of the munic-
ipality, which the legislature declares to be a
public purpose; or,
(f) Be reasonably likely as a result of the designa-
tion to contribute to the retention or expansion
of primary employment or to attract major in-
vestment in the zone that would be a benefit to
the property and that would contribute to the
economic development of the municipality.
2. For purposes of this Section, federally assisted new
community is a federally assisted area:
(a) That has received or will receive assistance in
the form of loan guarantees under Title X of the
National Housing Act (12 U.S.C., Section 1749aa
et seq.); and,
(b) A portion of which has received grants under
Section 107 of the Housing and Community Devel-
opment Act 'of 1974 (42 U.S.C., Section 5307)
made pursuant to the authority created by that
Section for grants in behalf of new communities
assisted under Title VII of the Housing and
Urban Development Act of 1976 or Title IV of the
Housing and Urban' Development Act of 1968 or in
behalf of new community projects assisted under
Title X of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C.
Section 1949aa et seq.).
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 10 --
3. The governing body of a municipality, as required by
Section 312.201, or a county, as required by
V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Section 312.401, shall hold a
public hearing on the designation of an area within
its jurisdiction as a reinvestment zone. The burden
shall be on the owner of the property sought to be
included in the zone or applicant for the creation of
the reinvestment zone toestablishthe following:
(a) That the requirements of Subsection 1 of this
Section have been met.
(b) That the improvements sought are feasible and
practical.
4. No later than the seventh day before the date set for
the above public hearing notice of such hearing shall
be:
(a) Published in a newspaper having general circula-
tion in the Affected Jurisdiction.
(b) Delivered in writing to the presiding officer of
the governing body of each taxing unit that
includes in its boundaries Real Property that is
to be included in the reinvestment zone.
5. At the public hearing above described in Subsection 3
above, any interested person is entitled to speak and
present evidence for or. against the designation of
such reinvestment zone.
6. At the conclusion of the hearing described in Sub-
paragraph 3 above, the governing body shall enter its
findings as follows:
(a) That the applicant or owner has or has not met
his burden as hereinabove set forth, and/or,
(b) That the improvements sought are or are not fea-
sible and practical.
(c) That the proposed improvements sought will or
will not be a benefit to the land to be included
in the reinvestment zone and to the Affected
Jurisdiction after the expiration of an agree-
ment entered into under VT.C.A., Tax Code,
Section 312.204.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Pape 11 .-
7. An application for the creation of a reinvestment
zone shall not be granted unless the Affected Juris-
diction considering such application enters
affirmative findings to Subparagraphs a, b, and c,of
Subsection 6 above set forth.
a. At the conclusion of the public hearing herein
required and upon the affirmative finding of the
governing body as required by Subsection 7 above set
forth, the governing body may designate a reinvest-
ment zone in accordance with the provisions of
V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Sections 312.201 or 312.401,
whichever Section shall be applicable under the
premises.
9. The designation of a reinvestment zone expires five
years after the date of the designation and may be
renewed for periods not to exceed five years. The
expiration of the designation does not affect an
existing tax abatement agreement made in accordance
with V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Section 312.201 through Sec-
tion 312.209.
10. Designation of an area as an enterprise zone under
the Texas Enterprise Zone Act (Art. 5190.7, V.T.C.S.)
constitutes designation of the area as a reinvestment
zone under Subchapter B of the Property Redevelopment
and Tax Abatement Act without further hearing or
other procedural requirements other than those
provided by the Texas Enterprise Zone Act (Art.
5190.7, V.T.C.S.).
SECTION VI. Tax Abatement Agreement:
1. After the creation of a reinvestment zone as
hereinabove authorized a Tax Abatement Agreement may
be executed between the owner and. any Affected
Jurisdiction. A Tax Abatement Agreement shall:
(a) Establish and set forth the Base Year assessed
value of the property for which tax abatement is
sought.
(b) Provide that the taxes paid on the base year
assessed value shall not be abated as a result
of the execution of said Tax Abatement
Agreement.
(c) Provide that ineligible property as subscribed
in Section IV, Subsection 5, hereinabove shall
be fully taxed.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 12 --
(d) Provide for the exemption of Improvements in
each year covered by the agreement only to the
extent the value of such Improvements for each
such year exceeds the value for the year in
which the agreement is executed.
(e) Fully describe and list the kind, number and
location of all of the improvements to be made
in or on the Real Property.
(f) Set forth the estimated value of all
improvements to be made in or on the Real
Property.
(g) Clearly provide that tax abatement shall be
granted only to the extent:
(1) The improvements to Real Property increase
the value of the Real Property for the year
in which the Tax Abatement Agreement is
executed; and,
(2) That the Tangible Personal Property
improvements to Real Property were not
located on the Real Property prior to the
execution of the Tax Abatement Agreement.
(h) Provide for the portion of the value of the
improvements to Real Property or improvements to
be abated. This determination is to be made
consistent with the provisions of Section IV,
Subsection 5, of these guidelines and criteria
as hereinabove set forth.
(i) Provide for the commencement date and the
termination date. In no event shall said dates
exceed a period of ten years.
(j) Describe the type and proposed use of the
improvements to Real Property or improvements
including:
(1) The type of facility.
(2) Whether the improvements are for a new
facility, modernization of a facility, or
expansion of a facility.
(3) The nature of the construction, proposed
time table of completion, a map or drawings
of the improvements above mentioned.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 13 --
(4) The amount of investment and the commitment
for the creation of new jobs.
(5) A list contaning the kind, number and
location of all proposed lmprovements.
(6) Any other' information required by the
Affected Jurisdiction.
(k) Provide a legal description of the Real Property
upon which improvements are to be made.
(1) Provide access to and authorize inspection of
the Real Property or improvements by employees
of the Affected Jurisdiction, who have executed
a Tax Abatement Agreement with owner to insure
improvements are made according to the
specifications and conditions of the Tax
Abatement Agreement.
(m) Provide for the limitation of the uses of the
Real Property or improvements consistent with
the general purpose of encouraging development
or redevelopment of the zone during the period
covered by the Tax Abatement Agreement.
(n) Provide for contractual obligations in the event
of default by owner, violation of the terms or
conditions by owner, recapturing- property tax
revenue in the event owner defaults or otherwise
fails to make improvements as provided in said
Tax Abatement Agreement, and any other provision
as may be required or authorized by State Law.
2. Not later than the seventh day before a municipality
or the County of Lubbock (as required by V.T.C.A.,
Tax Code, Section 312.204 or Section 312.402) enters
into an agreement for tax abatement under V.T.C.A.,
Tax Code, Section 312.204, the governing body of a
municipality or a designated officer or employee
thereof or the governing body of the County of
Lubbock or a designated officer or employee thereof
shall• deliver to the presiding officer of the
governing body of each of the taxing units in which
the property to be subject to the agreement is
located, a written notice that the municipality or
the County of Lubbock as the case may be, intends to
enter into the agreement. The notice must include a
copy of the proposed Tax Abatement Agreement.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 14 --
3. A notice, as above described in subparagraph 2, is
presumed delivered when placed in the mail, postage
paid and properly addressed to the appropriate
presiding officer. A notice properly addressed and
sent by registered or certified mail for which a
return receipt is received by the sender is
considered to have been delivered to the addressee.
4. Failure to deliver the notice does not affect the
validity of the agreement.
SECTION VII. Application:
I. Any present owner of taxable property located within
an Affected Jurisdiction may ,apply for tax abatement
by filing an application with the County of Lubbock,
when the Real Property or Tangible Personal Property
for which abatement is sought is located within the
County of Lubbock but outside of the City limits of
any City or with the appropriate City when the Real
Property or Tangible Personal Property for which
abatement is sought is located within the City limits
of a municipality located wholly or partially within
Lubbock County.
2. The application shall consist of a completed
application form accompanied by:
(a) A general description of the improvements to be
undertaken.
(b) A descriptive list of the improvements for which
tax abatement is requested.
(c) A list of the kind, number and location of all
proposed improvements of the Real Property
Facility or Existing Facility.
(d) A map indicating the approximate location of
improvements on the Real Property Facility or
Existing Facility together with the location of
any or all Existing Facilities located on the
Real Property or Facility.
(e) A list of any and all Tangible Personal Property
presently existing on the Real Property or
located in an existing facility.
(f) A proposed time schedule for undertaking and
completing the proposed improvements.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 15 --
(g) A general description stating whether the
proposed improvements are in connection with:
(1) the modernization of a facility (of any
type herein defined); or,
(2) construction of a new facility (of any type
herein defined); or,
(3) expansion of a facility (of any type herein
defined) ; or,
(4) any combination of the above.
(h) A statement of the additional value to the Real
Property or Facility as a result of the proposed
improvements
(i) A statement of the assessed value of the Real
Property, Facility or Existing Facility for the
Base Year.
(j) Information concerning the number of new jobs
that will be created or information concerning
the number of existing jobs to be retained as
result of the improvements undertaken.
(k) Any other information which the Affected
Jurisdiction, to which the application has been
directed, deems appropriate for evaluating the
financial � capacity of the applicant and
compatibility of the proposed improvements with
these guidelines and criteria.
(1) Information that is provided to an Affected
Jurisdiction in connection with an application
or request for tax abatement and which describes
the specific processes or business activity to
be conducted or the equipment or other property
to be located on the property for which tax
abatement is sought is confidential and not
subject to public disclosure until the Tax
Abatement Agreement is executed. Information in
the custody of an Affected Jurisdiction after
the agreement is executed is not confidential.
(V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Section 312.003).
(m) The Affected Jurisdiction to whom the
application for tax abatement has been directed
shall— determine if the property described in
said application is within a designated
reinvestment zone. If the Affected 'Jurisdiction
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 16 --
determines that the property described is not
within a current reinvestment zone then they
shall so notify the applicant and said
application shall then be considered both as an
application for the creation of a reinvestment
zone and a request for tax abatement to be
effective after the zone is created.
SECTION VIII. Recaptures
1. In the event that any type of facility, (as defined
in Section I. Subparagraphs 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12,
13, 17, 18) is completed and begins producing goods
or services, but subsequently discontinues producing
goods or services for any reason, excepting fire,
explosion or other casualty or accident or natural
disaster or other event beyond the reasonable control
of applicant or owner for a period of 180 days during
the term of a tax abatement agreement, then in such
event the Tax Abatement Agreement shall terminate and
all abatement of taxes shall likewise terminate.
Taxes abated during the calendar year in which
termination takes place shall be payable to each
Affected Jurisdiction by no later than January 31st
of the following year. Taxes abated in years prior to
the year of termination shall be payable to each
Affected Jurisdiction within sixty (60) days of the
date of termination. The burden shall be upon the
applicant or owner to prove to the satisfaction of
the Affected Jurisdiction to whom the application for
tax abatement was directed that the discontinuance of
producing goods or services was as a result of fire,
explosion, or other casualty or accident or natural
disaster or other event beyond the control of
applicant or owner. In the event the applicant or
owner meets this burden and the Affected Jurisdiction
is satisfied that the discontinuance of the
production of goods or services was the result of
events beyond the control of the applicant or owner,
then such applicant or owner shall have a period of
one year in which to resume the production of goods
and services. In the event that the applicant or
owner fails to resume the production of goods or
services within one year, then the Tax Abatement
Agreement shall terminate and the Abatement of all
taxes shall likewise terminate. Taxes abated during
the calendar year in which termination takes place
shall be payable to each Affected Jurisdiction by no
later than January 31st of the following year. Taxes
abated in years prior to the year of termination
shall be payable to each Affected Jurisdiction within
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 17 --
sixty (60) days of the date of termination. The one
year time period, hereinabove mentioned, shall
commence upon written notification from the Affected
Jurisdiction to the applicant or owner.
2. In the event that the applicant or owner has entered
into a tax abatement agreement to make improvements
to a facility of any type described in Section 1
above, but fails to undertake or complete such
improvements, then in such event the Affected
Jurisdiction to whom the application for tax
abatement was directed shall give the applicant or
owner sixty (60) days notice of such failure. The
applicant or owner shall demonstrate to the
satisfaction of the Affected Jurisdiction, above
mentioned, that the applicant or owner has commenced
to cure such failure within the sixty (60) days above
mentioned. In the event that the applicant or owner
fails to demonstrate that he is taking affirmative
action to cure his failure, then in such event the
Tax Abatement Agreement shall terminate and all
abatement of taxes shall likewise terminate. Taxes
abated during the calendar year in which termination
takes place shall be payable to each Affected
Jurisdiction by no later than January 31st of the
following year. Taxes abated in years prior to the
year of termination shall be payable to each Affected
Jurisdiction within sixty (60) days of the date of
termination.
3. In the event that the Affected Jurisdiction to whom
application for tax abatement was directed determines
that the applicant or owner is in default of any of
the terms or conditions contained in the Tax
Abatement Agreement, then in such event the Affected
Jurisdiction shall give the applicant or owner sixty
(60) days written notice to cure such default. In the
event such default is not cured to the satisfaction
of the Affected Jurisdiction within the sixty (60)
days notice period, then the Tax Abatement Agreement
shall terminate and all abatement of taxes shall
likewise terminate. Taxes abated during the calendar
year in which termination takes place shall be
payable to each Affected Jurisdiction by no later
than January 31st of the following year. Taxes abated
in years prior to the year of termination shall be
payable to each Affected Jurisdiction within sixty
(60) days of the date of termination.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Pape IS -
4. In the event that the applicant or owner allows ad
valorem taxes on property ineligible for tax
abatement owed to any Affected Jurisdiction, to
become delinquent and fails to timely and properly
follow the legal procedures for their protest or
contest, then in such event the Tax Abatement
Agreement shall terminate and all abatement of taxes
shall likewise terminate. Taxes abated during the
calendar year in which termination, under this
subparagraph, takes place shall be payable to each
Affected Jurisdiction by no later than January 31st
of the following year. Taxes abated in years prior to
the year of termination shall be payable to each
Affected Jurisdiction within sixty (60) days of the
date of termmation.
5. In the event that the applicant or owner, who has
executed a tax abatement agreement with any Affected
Jurisdiction, relocates the business, for which tax
abatement has been.granted, to a location outside of
the designated reinvestment zone, then in such event,
the Tax Abatement Agreement shall terminate after
sixty (60) days written notice by the Affected
Jurisdiction to the Owner/Applicant. Taxes abated
during the calendar year in which termination, under
this subparagraph takes place shall be payable to
each Affected Jurisdiction by no later than January
31st of the following year. Taxes abated in years
prior to the year of termination shall be payable to
each Affected Jurisdiction within sixty (60) days of
the date of termination.
6. The date of termination as that term is used in this
Subsection VIII shall, in every instance, be the 60th
day after the day the Affected' Jurisdiction sends
notice of default, in the mail to the address shown
in the Tax Abatement Agreement to the Applicant or
Owner. Should the default be cured by the owner or
Applicant within the sixty (60) day notice period,
the Owner/Applicant shall be responsible for so
advising the Affected Jurisdiction and obtaining a
release from the notice of default from the Affected
Jurisdiction, failing in which, the abatement remains
terminated and the abated taxes must be paid.
7. In every case of termination set forth in
Subparagraphs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 above, the Affected
Jurisdiction < to which the application for tax
abatement was directed shall determine whether
default has occurred by Owner (Applicant) in the
terms and conditions of the Tax Abatement Agreement
and shall so notify all other Affected Jurisdictions.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 19 -
Termination of the Tax Abatement Agreement by the
Affected Jurisdiction to which the application for
tax abatement was directed shall constitute
simultaneous termination of all Tax Abatement
Agreements of all other Affected Jurisdictions.
8. In the event that a tax abatement agreement is
terminated for any reason what so ever and taxes are
not paid within the time period herein specified,
then in such event, the provisions of V.T.C.A., Tax
Code, Section 33.01 will apply.
SECTION IB. Miscellaneous:
1. Any notice required to be given by these criteria or
guidelines shall be given in the following manner:
(a) To the owner or applicant: written notice shall
be sent to the address appearing on the Tax
Abatement Agreement.
(b) To an Affected Jurisdiction: written notice
shall be sent to the address appearing on the
Tax Abatement Agreement.
2. The Chief Appraiser of the Lubbock Central Appraisal
District shall annually assess the Real and Personal
Property comprising the reinvestment zone. Each year,
the applicant or owner receiving tax abatement shall
furnish the Chief Appraiser with such information as
may be necessary for the abatement. Once value has
been established, the Chief Appraiser shall notify
the Affected Jurisdictions which levy taxes of the
amount of assessment.
3. Upon the completion of improvements made to any type
of Facility as set forth in Section VIII,
Subparagraph 1 of these criteria and guidelines a
designated employee or employees of any Affected
Jurisdiction. having executed a tax abatement
agreement with applicant or owner shall have access
to the Facility to insure compliance with the Tax
Abatement Agreement.
4. A tax abatement agreement may be assigned to a new
owner but only after written consent has been
obtained from all Affected Jurisdictions which have
executed such an agreement with the applicant or
owner.
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ABATEMENT
-- Page 20 --
5. These guidelines and criteri
a
6. Each Affected Jurisdiction shall determine whether or
not said Affected Jurisdiction elects to become
eligible to participate in tax abatement. In the
event the Affected Jurisdiction elects by resolution
to become eligible to participate in tax abatement,
then such Affected Jurisdiction shall adopt these
guidelines and criteria by separate resolution
forwarding a copy of both resolutions to all other
Affected Jurisdictions.
7. In the event of a conflict between these guidelines
and criteria and V.T.C.A., Tax Code, Chapter 312,
then in such event the Tax Code shall prevail and
these guidelines and criteria interpreted
accordingly.
8. The guidelines and criteria once adopted by an
Affected Jurisdiction may be amended or repealed by a
vote of three -fourths of the members of the governing
body of an Affected Jurisdiction during the two year
term in which these guidelines and criteria are
effective.
9. The Property Redevelopment and Tax Abatement Act is
subject to review as provided by the Texas Sunset Act
(Section 325.0082 Government Code). If not continued
in effect this statute expires September 1, 1995.
JCR:js/TAXABATE.DCC
Dsk-Guidelines & Criteria ...
GUIDELINES AND CRITERIA GOVERNING TAX ASATENENT
-- Page 21 --