Third Time’s a Charm

Commissioners Approve Tax Abatement for Texas Futura, LLC      

By Will Johnson
Messenger Reporter

HOUSTON COUNTY – It has been said the third time is a charm and for a company known as Texas Futura, LLC  that appeared to be the case as the Houston County Commissioners Court approved a two year tax abatement for the business during a called meeting of the court held on Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Texas Futura, LLC is a used oil re-refinery company which plans to build a facility in the Crockett Industrial Park. Representatives of the company, Nelson Varughese and Karthik Sundaram had appeared before the commissioners twice before the abatement was approved.

Originally, the Texas Futura representatives had requested a 10-year tax abatement. When the commissioners rejected the initial proposal, the tax abatement request was retooled and a five-year abatement was requested.

During a Jan. 11 meeting of the Crockett City Council, a five year tax abatement was approved which calls for a 100 percent abatement for the first two years, 80 percent for years three and four while year five is at the 60 percent mark.

The county commissioners, however, only approved the first two years of abatement at 100 percent, with the stipulation if the company plans to expand, the matter could be re-visited.

According to an executive summary on the projected economic impact of the company, “Texas Futura is a planned waste-oil re-refinery facility in the Crockett Industrial Park. The facility, on about four acres of land will consist of 2,000 square feet of office space; 3,000 square feet for a control tower, employee breakroom, restrooms, etc.; 7,500 square feet for refinery operations and ano

ther 5,000 square feet of space for storage tanks.”

Prior to the abatement discussion, County Extension Agent Jo Smith introduced Tasha Brent as a candidate for the vacant Houston County Extension Agent – Family and Community Health position.

“She is from Crockett and she has worked with our office for the last 4.5 years. We feel very strongly she will be an excellent candidate for this position and do our county well,” Smith said.

Brent was unanimously approved to fill the position.

In other matters brought before the court:

• The court approved Terrell Jones as a volunteer road hand/equipment operator for Precinct One.
• Commissioners clarified the phrase “years of continuous service” to include both full-time and part-time employment as it pertains to the retiree medical policy of the Houston County Employee Handbook.

Will Johnson may be reached via e-mail at [email protected].