1991T14- ROBERT VALLANCE SR.
,
ORDINANCE NO. 9/- T - ;Lf
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, APPROVING A TAX ABATEMENT AND A TAX
ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AND WITH ROBERT
VALLANCE SR., A PROPERTY OWNER IN THE CITY
OF SCHERTZ.
WHEREAS, Section 312 of the Texas Property Tax Code allows
municipalities to abate ad valorem taxes under specific
Guidelines and Criteria, and the City of Schertz has adopted
specific Guidelines and Criteria under these provisions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Robert Vallance Sr's
application for abatement of ad valorem taxes meets those
Guidelines and Criteria, and further finds the terms of the tax
abatement agreement listed at Exhibit 1 are acceptable; and
WHEREAS, the property owned by Robert Vallance Sr., and
Rose F. Vallance, described as Lot 30, Block 1, Volume 4, Page
336, in the Plat records of Gua1a1upe County, Texas, is within a
Reinvestment Zone as defined by the Texas Property Tax Code and
as established by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on 1 October,1991, to
hear public comment; and
WHEREAS, the terms of the tax abatement agreement will
cause no substantial long term adverse effect on the provision of
the City's services or tax base, and the planned use of the
property will not constitute a hazard to public safety, health or
morals; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
THAT, the request for abatement of ad valorem taxes by
Robert Vallance Sr. is approved; and
THAT,
agreement,
and Rose
the City Manager is authorized to enter into an
shown as Exhibit 1, with Robert Vallance, Sr.,
F. Vallance.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this the ~day of
1991
o c..+obr'1'i'
o c -f () h(<> fC..
,1991.
Approved on first reading the--L-day of
,
ATTEST:
(SEAL OF CITY)
FIN A L D R AFT
Exhibit 1
Tax Abatement Agreement
1. PARTIES
This agreement, is
City of Schertz,
Robert L. Vallance
called the Owners.
made and entered into by and between the
Texas, hereinafter called the City, and
Sr. and Rose F. Vallance, hereinafter
2. AUTHORIZATION AND FINDINGS
a. This agreement is entered into pursuant to:
(1). Section 312 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
(2). City
establishes
Criteria for
of
the
Tax
Schertz Ordinance 90-T-2, which
City of Schertz Guidelines and
Abatement and Reinvestment Zones.
(3). City Ordinance '1/ --T - ) 3
establishing a Reinvestment Zone which encompasses
the property described below.
(4). City Ordinance
approves the tax abatement
c; /- 7 - / 'i ,which
and this agreement.
b. The City of Schertz, by approval of this agreement,
hereby finds the terms of this agreement and the
property subject to it, to meet the "Guidelines and
Criteria" as adopted, and further finds there will be
(a) no substantial long-term adverse affect on the
provision of City services or tax base; and (b) the
planned use of the property will not constitute a hazard
to public safety, health, or morals.
3. PROPERTY
a. The property is described as follows: Lot 30, Block
1, 2.218 acres out of Schertz Business Park as recorded
in Volume 4, page 336, Plat records of Guadalupe County,
Texas, hereinafter called the Property. The street
address is 3 Commercial Place.
b. Abatements approved will be based on the rolls of
the Guadalupe County Appraisal District for the Property
each year of the abatement.
c. The tax account of the property is IG2805-0001-03000.
-1-
4. Owners' Representations
a. The Owners represent they are owners in fee simple
of the Property.
b. The Owners represent they are the owners of Vallance
Security Systems and Agood Answering Services.
c. The Owners represent their companies will employ
approximately 29 people in the City of Schertz.
d. The Owners represent they have or will provide the
required documentation to the appropriate taxing
entities of the state and county by 1 December 1991 and
thereafter as required, to insure the City of Schertz is
the recipient of all Sales and Use Taxes to which it is
entitled.
5. Terms of the Agreement
a. The owners will employ not less than 21 people in
the City of Schertz at or in connection with the
businesses operated at the property, for the period of
the abatement, provided that employment of fewer than 21
people is not caused by fire, explosion, or other
casualty, accident, or natural disaster.
b. The Sales and Use Tax receipts to the City of
Schertz from Vallance Security Systems and Agood
Answering Services will not fall below $7500.00 each
year for the period of the abatement, provided no
changes occur in existing tax law that would alter
receipt of such taxes by the City.
c. The Owners agree to maintain currency of ad valorem
tax payments to all local taxing entities.
d. The OWners agree to maintain the property in good
repair and condition during the abatement period.
e. The Owners agree to provide the City an annual
report, in a form acceptable to the City, certifying the
average number of employees in Vallance Security Systems
and Agood Answering Services for each calendar year of
the abatement period.
f. The Owners agree to provide the City
report, in a form acceptable to the City,
Sales and Use Tax data reported for the year.
an annual
certifying
-2-
g. The
Guadalupe
necessary
Owners agree to furnish the Chief Assessor of
County with such information as may be
for the abatement and for appraisal purposes.
6. Tax Abatement.
a. If the Owners comply with the terms of Part 5 of
this agreement for the period of the abatement, the
Owners shall be entitled to a 30% abatement of Cities ad
valorem taxes based on Section 2(f) of the City of
Schertz Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria for the
tax abatement period.
b. The period of the abatement will be ten years based
on Section 2(f)(2) of the City of Schertz Tax Abatement
Guidelines and Criteria. The period shall begin on 1
January, 1992, and continue until 31 December, 2001.
7. Default and Recapture
a. In the event the Owners no longer employ an average
of 21 or more persons in the conduct of their businesses
for any reason excepting fire, explosion or other
casualty or accident or natural disaster, for a period
of one year during the abatement period, this agreement
may be terminated by the city, and so shall the
abatement of taxes for the calendar year during which
the average number of employees falls below 21.
However, there shall be no recapture of prior years'
taxes abated by virtue of this agreement.
b. In the event Sales and Use Tax receipts to the City
of Schertz from Vallance Security Systems and Agood
Answering Services combined fall below the amount of
$7500.00 for any calendar year of the abatement period
for any reason excepting changes in the state law that
governs the Sales and Use Tax, this agreement may be
terminated by the city and so shall the abatement of
taxes for the calendar year in which Sales and Use Tax
receipts are below $7500.00. However, there shall be no
recapture of prior years' taxes by virtue of this
agreement.
c. If the Owners refuse or neglect to comply with any
of the terms of this agreement or, if any representation
made by the Owners in the Application for Tax Abatement
is false or misleading in any material respect this
agreement may be terminated by the city.
-3-
d. In the event the Owners allow ad valorem taxes on
the Property to become delinquent and fail to timely and
properly follow the legal procedures for their protest
and/or contest this agreement may be terminated by the
city.
e. In the event the City determines the Owners to be in
default this agreement, the City will notify the Owners
in writing at the address stated in Section 8 of this
agreement, and if such is not cured within sixty days
from the date of such notice (the Cure Period), then
this agreement may be terminated upon written notice to
the Owners. If this agreement is terminated by the
city, taxes without abatement will be due for the year
in which termination occurred and shall accrue without
abatement for all tax years thereafter. However, there
shall be no recapture of prior years' taxes abated by
virtue of this agreement.
f. In the event the Owners decide to relocate Vallance
Security Systems or Agood Answering Services, during the
abatement period, the City shall by an Ordinance adopted
by City Council have the right to recapture 100% of
taxes abated in prior years and the year in which
relocation occurs.
A total bill will be sent to the Owners and the Owners
agree to pay the total amount within sixty days after
receipt. Penalty and Interest will not begin to accrue
until the Owners have failed to pay any of the amount
placed back on the tax roll within sixty days after
receipt of the bill, unless arrangements satisfactory to
the City and the Guadalupe County Assessor have been
made.
-4-
8. Notice
All notices shall be in writing, addressed to the Owners or
the City at the following addresses. If mailed, any notice
or communication shall be deemed to be received three days
after the date of deposit in the United States Mail. Unless
otherwise provided in this agreement, all notices shall be
delivered to the following address:
To the Owners:
-If mailed or personally delivered:
Robert L. Vallance Sr. and Rose F. Vallance
(address)
(With required copy to:)
To the City:
-If mailed or personally delivered
City of Schertz
Attn: City Manager
P.O. Drawer I
Schertz, Texas 78154
9. Condition
This agreement is conditioned entirely upon the approval of
the City of Schertz City Council by the affirmative vote of a
majority of members at a regularly scheduled meeting.
10. Assignment
This agreement may be assignable to a new owner only
City Council approval as reflected in a duly adopted
Ordinance.
with
City
-5-
11. Date
This agreement
Origina&~h
day of .
has been executed
having full force
1991.
by the parties in multi~~e
and effect on this the ~
OWNERS:
~2/ 0~.,;Z7~
State of Texas (
County of GLtD~ ~
T~:~~trument was acknowledged before me on
Jll ~~ , 1991, by Robert Vallance Sr.
~PJ~~~trument was acknowledged before me on
Il) ~~ , 1991, by Rose F. Vallance.
-6-
CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS
STATE OF TEXAS I
I
COUNTIES OF GUADALUPE, BEXAR I
AND COMAL I
I
CITY OF SCHERTZ I
This instrument was acknowledged before me on 0&. ifS-
1991, by Kerry R. Sweatt, City Manager of the City of Schertz, Texas, a
Texas Municipal Corporation, on behalf of such municipal corporation.
JUNE G. KRAUSE
Notary PllbllC. SIII8 01 Texas
___1lI1G/91
i...o.",.:.,::..,~~,,~;~:"i;.:!';~,..."....::""-h";"~;/.~';..';"':~
June G. Krause
My Commission expires:
/1- 5(! -9 I
September 27, 1991
TO:
Kerry R. Sweatt, C~ty Manager
Mark Marquez 1Jt'(f-:--:t.
FROM
SUBJECT: Tax Abatement
On 25
pm. I
Marcos.
September,1991, a Mr. Judson called my office at 4:20
was out of the office on the return trip from San
I returned Mr. Judson's call at 5:15pm
Mr. Judson seemed quite agitated. He asked a number of
questions about the abatement process all of which I answered.
He then proceeded to ask questions about the abatement for Mr.
Vallance. He asked me how much Mr. Vallance paid for the
property, to which I responded I didn't know. He asked how
much of an abatement Mr. Vallance would get, and I told him
the current Guidelines and Criteria would allow 30%.
He didn't believe abatements were the right thing to do, and I
explained that it was being used as an incentive to try and
bring new businesses into our city. He agreed that new
businesses would be helpful provided the city did not place
current businesses at a competitive dis-advantage. I pointed
out the city of Schertz currently has no ~larm company nor an
answering service, to which he claimed a company called
Universal Alarm was in cur city. This was news to me since the
company was not registered with our Police department nor on
our tax rolls. Some further investigation into this is
warranted.
He asked repeatedly whether or not Mr. Vallance was going to
use both buildings on the property or whether he would be
leasing one. I said I didn't know nor was it any of my
business. I explained that what Mr. Vallance does with his
property is not a concern of the city excepting that he
violates no laws.
Mr. Judson then explained his primary concern was that the
abatement to Mr. Vallance would put him at a competitive
dis-advantage should Mr. Vallance decide to lease one of the
buildings. I pointed out the abatement was not based on the
property or improvements, rather it was based solely on the
number of jobs created. Mr. Judson seemed to understand that
point, but nonetheless continued to argue he would be at a
dis-advantage because of city policies.
He asked if that kind of problem was considered 'and
it was, but that we looked at the case in terms of
alarm businesses, not based on whether or not Mr.
would be leasing one of the buildings.
I said yes
competing
Vallance
Judson Memo
Page 2
I pointed out that the logical extension of his argument would
allow a measure of control by the city over what property
owners did to or with their property to the extent of requiring
Mr. Vallance not lease his property at a rate lower than
surrounding properties. I explained that I believed that to be
improper
I concluded the conversation by inviting Mr. Judson to attend
the public hearing as that is the reason we have them, so that
his comments could be heard. Mr. Judson had alluded early on
that if the policy on abatements was not changed he would
consider suing the city. I made no response to that comment.
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, ESTABLISHING THE SCHERTZ BUSINESS
PARK AS A REINVESTMENT ZONE
WHEREAS, the Texas Property Tax Code, Section 312, allows
the creation of Reinvestment Zones; and
WHEREAS, the property described as Schertz Business Park in
Volume 4, page 336, Plat records of Guadalupe County, Texas, is
currently zoned for General Business; and
WHEREAS, it is the belief of the City Council that
establishing Schertz Business Park as a Reinvestment Zone is
reasonably likely to contribute to the retention or expansion of
primary employment or to attract major investment in the zone
that would benefit the property and would contribute to the
economic development of the property; and
WHEREAS, it has been the stated policy of this Council to
support and promote the economic development of this community;
and
WHEREAS, a Public Hearing was held to hear comments from
the public on 1 October, 1991; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
THAT the City Council hereby establishes the Schertz
Business Park as a Reinvestment Zone under the provisions of
Section 312 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
Approved on first reading the
day of
, 1991.
PASSED,
APPROVED AND
,1991
ADOPTED
this
the
day
of
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
City Secretary, City of Schertz
(SEAL OF CITY)
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE
BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ,
TEXAS, APPROVING A TAX ABATEMENT AND A TAX
ABATEMENT AGREEMENT FOR AND WITH ROBERT
VALLANCE SR., A PROPERTY OWNER IN THE CITY
OF SCHERTZ.
WHEREAS, Section 312 of the Texas Property Tax Code allows
municipalities to abate ad valorem taxes under specific
Guidelines and Criteria, and the City of Schertz has adopted
specific Guidelines and Criteria under these provisions; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds that Robert Vallance Sr's
application for abatelfient of ad valorem taxes meets those
Guidelines and Criteria, and further finds the terms of the tax
abatement agreement listed at Exhibit 1 are acceptable; and
WHEREAS, the property owned by Robert Vallanr.e Sr., and
Rose F. Vallance, described as Lot 30, Block 1, Volume 4, Page
336, in the Plat records of Gualalupe County, Texas, is within a
Reinvestment Zone as defined by the Texas Property Tax Code and
as established by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on 1 October,1991, to
hear public comment; and
WHEREAS, the terms of the tax abatement agreement will
cause no substantial long term adverse effect on the provision of
the City's services or tax base, and the planned use of the
property will not constitute a hazard to public safety, health or
morals; NOW THEREFORE
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
THAT, the request for abatement of ad valorem taxes by
Robert Vallance Sr. is approved; and
THAT,
agreement,
and Rose
the City Manager is authorized to enter into an
shown as Exhibit 1, with Robert Vallance, Sr.,
F. Vallance.
Approved on first reading the____day of
,1991.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this the ___day of
1991
,
Mayor, City of Schertz, Texas
ATTEST:
City secretary, City of Schertz
(SEAL OF CITY)
FIN A L D R AFT
. Exhibit 1
Tax Abatement Agreement
1. PARTIES
This agreement, is
City of Schertz,
Robert L. Vallance
called the Owners.
made and entered into by and between the
Texas, hereinafter called the City, and
Sr. and Rose F. Vallance, hereinafter
2. AUTHORIZATION AND FINDINGS
a. This agreement is entered into pursuant to:
(1). Section 312 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
(2). City
establishes
Criteria for
of
the
Tax
Schertz Ordinance 90-T-2, which
City of Schertz Guidelines and
Abatement and Reinvestment Zones.
(3). City Ordinance
establishing a Reinvestment Zone which encompasses
tha property described below.
(4). City Ordinance which
approves the tax abatement and this agreement.
b. The City of Schertz, by approval of this agreement,
hereby finds the terms of this agreement and the
property subject to it, to meet the "Guidelines and
Criteria" as adopted, and further finds there will be
(a) no substantial long-term adverse affect on the
provision of City services or tax base; and (b) the
planned use of the property will not constitute a hazard
to public safety, health, or morals.
3. PROPERTY
a. The property is described as follows: Lot 30, Block
1, 2.218 acres out of Schertz Business Park as recorded
in Volume 4, page 336, Plat records of Guadalupe County,
Texas, hereinafter called the Property. The street
address is 3 Commercial Place.
b. Abatements approved will be based on the rolls of
the Guadalupe County Appraisal District for the Property
each year of the abatement.
c. The tax account of the property is IG2805-0001-03000.
-1-
4. Owners' Representations
a. The Owners represent they are owners in fee simple
of the Property.
b. The Owners represent they are the owners of Vallance
security Systems and Agood Answering Services.
c. The Owners represent their companies will employ
approximately 29 people in the City of Schertz.
d. The Owners represent they have or will provide the
required documentation to the appropriate taxing
entities of the state and county by 1 December 1991 and
thereafter as required, to insure the City of Schertz is
the recipient of all Sales and Use Taxes to which it is
entitled.
5. Terms of the Agreement
a. The owners will employ not less than 21 people in
the City of Schertz at or in connection with the
businesses operated at the property, for the period of
the abatement, provided that employment of fewer than 21
people is not caused by fire, explosion, or other
casualty, accident, or natural disaster.
b. The Sales and Use Tax receipts to the City of
Schertz from Vallance Security Systems and Agood
Answering Services will not fall below $7500.00 each
year for the period of the abatement, provided no
changes occur in existing tax law that would alter
receipt of such taxes by the City.
c. The Owners agree to maintain currency of ad valorem
tax payments to all local taxing entities.
d. The Owners agree to maintain the property in good
repair and condition during the abatement period.
e. The Owners agree to provide the City an annual
report, in a form acceptable to the City, certifying the
average number of employees in Vallance Security Systems
and Agood Answering Services for each calendar year of
the abatement period.
f. The Owners agree to provide the City
report, in a form acceptable to the City,
Sales and Use Tax data reported for the year.
an annual
certifying
-2-
g. The
Guadalupe
necessary
Owners agree to furnish the Chief Assessor of
County with such information as may be
for the abatement and for appraisal purposes.
6. Tax Abatement.
a. If the Owners comply with the terms of Part 5 of
this agreement for the period of the abatement, the
Owners shall be entitled to a 30% abatement of Cities ad
valorem taxes based on Section 2(f) of the City of
Schertz Tax Abatement Guidelines and Criteria for the
tax abatement period.
b. The period of the abatement will be ten years based
on Section 2(f)(2) of the City of Schertz Tax Abatement
Guidelines and Criteria. The period shall begin on 1
January, 1992, and continue until 31 Decenilier, 2001.
7. Default and Recapture
a. In the event the Owners no longer employ an average
of 21 or more persons in the conduct of their businesses
for any reason excepting fire, explosion or other
casualty or accident or natural disaster, for a period
of one year during the abatement period, this agreement
may be terminated by the city, and so shall the
abat~ment of taxes for the calendar year during which
the average number of employees falls below 21.
However, there shall be no recapture of prior years'
taxes abated by virtue of this agreement.
b. In the event Sales and Use Tax receipts to the City
of Schertz from Vallance Security Systems and Agood
Answering Services combined fall below the amount of
$7500.00 for any calendar year of the abatement period
for any reason excepting changes in the state law that
governs the Sales and Use Tax, this agreement may be
terminated by the city and so shall the abatement of
taxes for the calendar year in which Sales and Use Tax
receipts are below $7500.00. However, there shall be no
recapture of prior years' taxes by virtue of this
agreement.
c. If the Owners refuse or neglect to comply with any
of the terms of this agreement or, if any representation
made by the Owners in the Application for Tax Abatement
is false or misleading in any material respect this
agreement may be terminated by the city.
-3-
d. In the event the Owners allow ad valorem taxes on
the Property to become delinquent and fail to timely and
properly follow the legal procedures for their protest
and/or contest this agreement may be terminated by the
city.
e. In the event the City determines the Owners to be in
default this agreement, the City will notify the Owners
in writing at the address stated in Section 8 of this
agreement, and if such is not cured within sixty days
from the date of such notice (the Cure Period), then
this agreement may be terminated upon written notice to
the Owners. If this agreement is terminated by the
city, taxes without abatement will be due for the year
in which termination occurred and shall accrue without
abatement for all tax years thereafter. However, there
shall be no recapture of prior years' taxes abated by
virtue of this agreement.
f. In the event the Owners decide to relocate Vallance
Security Systems or Agood Answering Services, during the
abatement period, the City shall by an Ordinance adopted
by City Council have the right to recapture 100% of
taxes abated in prior years and the year in which
relocation occurs.
A total bill will be sent to the Owners and the Owners
agree to pay the total amount within sixty days after
receipt. Penalty and Interest will not begin to accrue
until the Owners have failed to pay any of the amount
placed back on the tax roll within sixty days after
receipt of the bill, unless arrangements satisfactory to
the City and the Guadalupe County Assessor have been
made.
-4-
8. Notice
All notices shall be in writing, addressed to the Owners or
the City at the following addresses. If mailed, any notice
or communication shall be deemed to be received three days
after the date of deposit in the United States Mail. Unless
otherwise provided in this agreement, all notices shall be
delivered to the following address:
To the Owners:
-If mailed or personally delivered:
Robert L. Vallance Sr. and Rose F. Vallance
(address)
(With required copy to:)
To the City:
-If mailed or personally delivered
City of Schertz
Attn: City Manager
P.O. Drawer I
Schertz, Texas 78154
9. Condition
This agreement is conditioned entirely upon the approval of
the City of Schertz City Council by the affirmative vote of a
majority of members at a regularly scheduled meeting.
10. AS3ignment
This agreement may be assignable to a new owner only
City Council approval as reflected in a duly adopted
Ordinance.
with
City
-5-
11. Date
This agreement
originals, each
day of
has been executed by the parties in multiple
having full force and effect on this the
1991.
OWNER:
BY: Robert L. Vallance Sr.
Rose F. Vallance
Name:
Title:
ATTEST:
Name:
Title:
CITY OF SCHERTZ
Kerry R. Sweatt
City Manager
ATTEST:
June Krause
City Secretary
-6-
September 20, 1991
TO
Mayor and City Council
FROM
Kerry R. Sweatt, City Manager
y~
SUBJECT:
Tax Abatement Request from Mr.
Vallance.
Mr. Robert Vallance Sr. has requested a tax abatement for
the property he intends to purchase at Commercial Place and
FM 1518. Mr. Vallance owns two businesses currently
located in San Antonio; Vallance Security Systems and
Agood Answering Service. Both businesses will relocate to
Schertz.
Mr. Vallance's application meets the basic criteria
established in our Tax Abatement and Reinvestment Zone
Guidelines and Criteria ordinance passed in Jan 1990. The
criteria in that ordinance would allow an abatement of 30%,
based on the creation of 29 jobs in our city. We do not
anticipate any meaningful capital improvements to the
buildings or property.
The application was r0vievled by the Economic Development
Task Force on 5 September, 1991, and was unanimously
recommended for approval. Some monitoring activity will be
done by the Economic Development Department to insure
compliance with any agreement that is reached.
We are negotiating with Mr. Vallance on the tax abatement
agreement, including specific recommendations made by the
Task Force. The proposed agreement in a draft form is
attached for your review.
In order to approve the tax abatement, several steps and
actions are required. Before a tax abatement agreement can
be approved a Reinvestment Zone must be in place. Enclosed
is a proposed ordinance establishing the Schertz Business
Park as a Reinvestment Zone.
The creation of the Reinvestment Zone in and of itself has
no consequences to the City or property owners. The net
effect of a Reinvestment Zone is the ability to do other
~things, in this case, allow a tax abatement on one or more
of the properties in the zone.
In addition, in order to establish a Reinvestment Zone, a
public hearing is required. In anticipation of this
requirement, we have tentatively scheduled a public hearing
on 1 October, 1991.
Having approved the Reinvestment Zone, we can now deal with
Mr. Vallance's application for tax abatement, which will
also require a public hearing. We have scheduled this
public hearing for 1 October also. After the public
hearing, the abatement process consisting of three steps
should be considered.
First, we must conclude that Mr. Vallance's application
meets the criteria in our ordinance. Second we must
approve the application allowing a 30% abatement. Finally,
we must approve the formal Tax Abatement Agreement.
Attached is a proposed ordinance which accomplishes all
three actions. The Tax Abatement Agreement is an Exhibit
to the ordinance.
While this process appears somewhat cumbersome, we are
bound by legal requirements in the property tax code to
take these steps. The fundamental issue is whether we are
willing to give a tax abatement to businesses locating or
relocating in our city. If so, approval of these two
ordinances will accomplish that end (after the public
hearings). As a side note, the fact that we have a tax
abatement policy in effect is a tacit approval of
abatements. The question then is whether the request meets
the criteria we have established.
As to the Tax Abatement, many people have valid concerns
over the reduction of ad valorem taxes solely for the
purpose of enticing a business to relocate. This is also
true for many of the other economic development incentives.
The reality is that in order to compete, incentives such as
tax abatements, are a necessity. In this particular case,
the city is expected to receive additional sales tax
revenues estimated at $10,000.00 annually, making the tax
abatement much more palatable.
In terms of actual dollar values, the estimated cost of
this abatement is about $3000.00 to $4000.00 over the life
of the abatement, about $400.00 per year for ten years.
This equates to about $1.15 per job per month. If we
consider indirect revenues as a result of 29 new jobs the
actual cost is close to zero dollars.
For example, the two business are to be operated on a 24
hour a day basis. This means as much as $500.00 dollars a
month in electricity bills. Thus Electric Franchise
revenues to the city would equate to about $120.00 per
year. The two business will be water users. The minimum
charges will equate to about $23.12 per month or about
$277.44 annually. These 29 employees are very likely to
spend at least $30.00 a month each in the local economy,
which equates to an annual sales tax revenue of about
$105.00.
Finally, no consideration was given in this example to the
impact of potential new'Schertz residents. If only one of
these employees decides to move to our city, the city
receives a net gain in revenue regardless of any gains in
direct sales tax revenue.
An intangible that is not obvious but most important, is
that this new business is non-competitive. By this I mean
we have no similar businesses located in our city. This is
a subtle nuance that should not be overlooked in this and
future abatement applications.
We have furnished information to both Guadalupe County and
SCUC-ISD and expect those groups will consider action,
however, I cannot predict the outcomes. This information
was furnished out of courtesy and legal requirements.
While the County can expect direct sales tax income as a
result of their 1/2 cent tax, the school is more in a
position of considering what indirect benefits can accrue
and taking such action so as to be "a part of the team" in
the overall economic development effort. We expect
negotiations between the applicant and the school might
include some incentives by the applicant such as in kind
services, scholarships, etc.
D R AFT
Exhibit 1
Tax Abatement Agreement
1. PARTIES
This agreement, is made and entered into by and between the
City of Schertz, Texas, hereinafter called the City, and
Robert Vallance Sr., hereinafter called the Owner.
2. AUTHORIZATION AND FINDINGS
a. This agreement is entered into pursuant to:
(l). Section 312 of the Texas Property Tax Code.
(2). City
establishes
Criteria for
of
the
Tax
Schertz Ordinance 90-T-2, which
City of Schertz Guidelines and
Abatement and Reinvestment Zones.
( 3) . Ci ty
establishing
the property
Ordinance
an Enterprise Zone
described below.
which
,
encompasses
(4). City Ordinance , which
approves the tax abatement and this agreement.
b. The City of Schertz, by approval of this agreement,
hereby finds the terms of this agreement and the
property subject to it, to meet the "Guidelines and
Criteria" as adopted, and further finds there will be
(a) no substantial long-term adverse affect on the
provision of City services or tax base; and (b) the
planned use of the property will not constitute a hazard
to public safety, health, or morals.
3. PROPERTY
a. The property is described as follows: Lot 30, Block
1, 2.218 acres out of Schertz Business Park as recorded
in Volume 4, page 336, Plat records of Guadalupe County,
Texas, hereinafter called the Property. The street
address is 3 Commercial Place.
b. Abatements approved will be based on the rolls of
the Guadalupe County Appraisal District for the Property
each year of the abatement.
c. The tax account of the property is IG2805-0001-03000_
4. Owner's Representations
a. The Owner represents he is owner in fee simple of
the Property.
b. The Owner represents he is the owner of Valance
Security Systems and Agood Answering Services.
c. The OWner represents his companies will employ 29
people in the City of Schertz.
d. The Owner represents he has or will provide the
required documentation to the appropriate taxing
entities of the state and county by 1 December 1991 to
insure the City of Schertz is the reCipient of all Sales
and Use Taxes to which it is entitled.
5. Terms of the Agreement
a. The owner will employ not less than 21 people in the
City of Schertz for the period of the abatement,
provided that employment of fewer than 21 people are not
caused by fire, explosion, or other casualty, accident,
or natural disaster.
b. The Sales and Use Tax receipts to the City of
Schertz from Vallance Security Systems and Agood
Answering Services will not fall below $7500.00 for the
period of the abatement, provided no changes occur in
existing tax law that would alter receipt of such taxes
by the City.
c. The OWner agrees to maintain currency of ad valorem
tax payments to all local taxing entities.
d. The Owner agrees to maintain the property in good
repair and condition during the abatement period.
e. The Owner agrees to provide the City an annual
report, in a form acceptable to the City, certifying the
average number of employees in Vallance Security Systems
and Agood Answering Services for each abatement year.
f. The Owner agrees to provide the
report, in a form acceptable to the
Sales and Use Tax data for the year.
City
City,
an annual
certifying
g. The
Guadalupe
necessary
Owner agrees to furnish the Chief Assessor of
County with such information as may be
for the abatement and for appraisal purposes.
6. Tax Abatement.
a. If the Owner maintains the employment of 21 or more
people in the City of Schertz for the period of the
abatement, the Owner shall be entitled to a 30%
abatement of Cities ad valorem taxes based on Section
2(f) of the City of Schertz Tax Abatement Guidelines and
Criteria for the tax abatement period.
b. The period of the abatement will be ten years based
on Section 2(f)(2) of the City of Schertz Tax Abatement
Guidelines and Criteria. The period shall begin on 1
January, 1992, and continue until 31 December, 2001.
7. Default and Recapture
a. In the event the Owner no longer employs an average
of 21 or more persons in the conduct of his businesses
for any reason excepting fire, explosion or other
casualty or accident or natural disaster, for a period
of one year during the abatement period, this agreement
may be terminated, and so shall the abatement of taxes
for the calendar year during which the average number of
employees falls below 21. However, there shall be no
recapture of prior years' taxes abated by virtue of this
agreement.
b. In the event Sales and Use Tax receipts to the City
of Schertz from Vallance Security Systems and Agood
Answering Services combined fall below the amount of
$7500.00 for the calendar year for any reason excepting
changes in the tax law that governs the Sales and Use
Tax, this agreement may be terminated and so shall the
abatement of taxes for the calendar year in which Sales
and Use Tax receipts are below $7500.00. However, there
shall be no recapture of prior years' taxes by virtue of
this agreement.
c. If the Owner refuses or neglects to comply with any
of the terms of this agreement or, if any representation
made by the Owner in the Application for Tax Abatement
is false or misleading in any material respect this
agreement may be terminated.
d. In the event the Owner allows ad valorem taxes on
the Property to become delinquent and fails to timely
and properly follow the legal procedures for their
protest and/or contest this agreement may be terminated.
e. In the event the City determines the Owner to be in
default this agreement, the City will notify the Owner
in writing at the address stated in Section 8 of this
agreement, and if such is not cured within sixty days
from the date of such notice (the Cure Period), then the
agreement may be terminated upon written notice to the
Owner. If the agreement is terminated, taxes without
abatement will be due for the year in which termination
occurred and shall accrue without abatement for all tax
years thereafter. However, there shall be no recapture
of prior years' taxes abated by virtue of this
agreement.
f. In the event the Owner decides to relocate Vallance
Security Systems or Agood Answering Services, during the
abatement period or for a period of ten (10) years after
the abatement period, the City shall by an Ordinance
adopted by City Council shall have the right to
recapture a percentage of abated taxes based on the
following table:
Tax Year of
Relocation
Total Taxes Previously Abated
Shall be Multiplied by:
1992-2001
100%
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2020
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
Formula:
abated in
percentage
recaptured.
The recapture formula shall be: Total taxes
each abatement year times the applicable
from the above table = the Amount to be
The City will calculate the amount of taxes for
recapture pertaining to each year using the above
formula. A total bill will be sent to the Owner and the
Owner will pay the total amount within sixty days after
receipt. Penalty and Interest does not start until the
Owner has failed to pay any of the amount placed back on
the tax roll within sixty days after receipt of the bilY
unless arrangements satisfactory to the City and the
Guadalupe Appraisal District have been made.
8. Notice
All notices shall be in writing, addressed to the Owner or
the City at the following addresses. If mailed, any notice
or communication shall be deemed to be received three days
after the date of deposit in the United States Mail. Unless
otherwise provided in this agreement, all notices shall be
delivered to the following address:
To the Owner:
-If mailed or personally delivered:
Mr. Robert Vallance Sr.
(address)
(With required copy to:)
To the City:
-If mailed or personally delivered
City of Schertz
Attn: City Manager
P.O. Drawer I
Schertz, Texas 78154
9. Condition
This agreement is conditioned entirely upon the approval of
the City of Schertz City Council by the affirmative vote of a
majority of members at a regularly scheduled meeting.
10. Assignment
This agreement may be assignable to a new owner only
City Council approval as reflected in a duly adopted
Ordinance.
with
City
ll. Date
This agreement
originals, each
day of
has been executed by the parties in multiple
having full force and effect on this the
1991.
OWNER: CITY OF SCHERTZ
BY: Mr. Robert Vallance Sr.
Name:
Title:
ATTEST:
Name:
Title:
Kerry R. Sweatt
City Manager
ATTEST:
June Krause
City Secretary