What does responsible growth mean?

We all know that Pilot Point’s growth is spreading like wildfire. Development isn’t coming, it is already here. It is vitally important that City Council chooses to grow responsibly, but what

does that mean?

City Council must be aware of the financial incentives that it is offering developers to annex into the City limits. Usually, these financial incentives are in the form of a TIRZ (Tax

Increment Reinvestment Zone) coupled with a 380 agreement. In plain English, the City is giving a portion of that development’s ad valorem taxes back to the developer to entice them to annex into our city limits. If Council approves too big of a percentage, the city runs the risk of two issues.

First, the new development may not generate enough Ad Valorem tax dollars to maintain the new development's infrastructure. Second, the new development’s tax base needs to contribute to the increase of the City’s General Fund.

A new development that contributes to the city’s General Fund increases the City’s Revenue. This increase in revenue allows the city to pay for much-needed public improvements (think streets, drainage, etc…). A new development that only pays for itself will not contribute at all for the overall financials of Pilot Point.

For the past three years that I have served on City Council, I have fought to make sure that if developers are given incentives, that it doesn’t come at the cost of our taxpayers.

Having received two degrees from Baylor University in Business Management and Marketing, and being a businessman, I understand the importance of contractual negotiations that have long-lasting effects on our community.

I encourage any citizen that would like to discuss this, or anything else, to call or text me at 720-933-0855. I humbly ask for your vote and thank you for taking the time to read this.