Published: May 11, 2008 11:31 pm            

Court to set public hearing for Weatherford abatement request

The Walker County Commissioners Court will meet today to discuss setting a public hearing for a Weatherford International Inc. tax abatement request from the county.

The five member court will at 9 a.m. at the courthouse.

Weatherford recently received support from the Huntsville City Council, approving a tax abatement agreement for the second time to continue the growth and development of the oil field company located at 7587 Highway 75 south.

The court previously expressed their intention to support Weatherford during its phase three of development that will cross the Huntsville city limits and enter county land.

Weatherford currently covers 20 acres in within the city limits.

The phase one project — a $1 million investment — was completed in June 2007, constructing new expandable threading stations for underground pipes.

After the city approved a tax abatement immediately following phase one completion, phase two continued with the construction of a $3.5 million testing lab, including equipment costs.

Weatherford now looks ahead to phase three — the construction of a large facility to produce the pipes.

The commissioners will also consider the approval of Resolution 2008-22 “Tax Abatement Policy” for Walker County prior to setting the Weatherford public hearing date.

During the meeting, the court will also discuss and/or approve:

• Minutes for April 28, 2008,

• Proclamation 2008-20 “Hurricane Awareness Week,” • Purchase of air-card for Internet service for a new laptop to be purchased from grant funds,

• Ratifying Proclamation 2008-21 “COME groundbreaking,”

• Interlocal Cooperation Agreement between Walker County and the City of Huntsville for work at the HEARTS Museum,

• H-GAC Grantee Agreement for Downtown Spaces Improvement Program,

• Budget calendar for FY2009 and receive input o priorities of Commissioners’ Court,

• Proclamation 2008-23 “Mental Health Awareness Month,” • Contract for Services Agreement with Independent Contractor,

• Assignment of 2001 Chevrolet Lumina, FAS #579 for use in the mail program and other offices at the Annex,

• Change order #008 to Contract with Brothers Construction Co. to install 10 canopy footings,

• Agreement with JP Morgan Chase, N.A. for participation in procurement card and corporate travel charge card programs,

• Certificate of resolutions 2008-23 with JP Morgan Chase, N.A. for participation in procurement card and corporate travel charge card programs,

• Claims/invoices submitted for payment,

• Budget adjustments for FY08,

• Discuss financial information for the month ended March 31, 2008,

• Amended Credit Card Policy 2.18 and Employee Agreement for Use of County Credit Cards,

• Resolution and Order 2008-24 “Approval of Claims for Payment,”

• Amended Expense reimbursement Policy 8.01,

• Bill paying,

• Contract for Aflac services for the 2008-2009 plan year.

        

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