Wichita County OKs resolution to create Sealed Air reinvestment zone for Iowa Park expansion

Wichita County commissioners on April 8 authorized the county judge to sign a resolution designating “Cryovac Sealed Air Reinvestment Zone No. 2,” a step that makes the Iowa Park facility eligible to apply for a property-tax abatement tied to a proposed capital investment.

BDO representative David Earl told the court the company is considering a $31,400,000 investment at the Iowa Park site and expects to add 25 jobs. "Sealed Air is a trusted partner here in Wichita County," Earl said during the public hearing, which opened at 10:20 a.m. and closed at 10:30 a.m.

The reinvestment-zone designation mirrors a prior zone covering Sealed Air’s Iowa Park site and is a preliminary administrative step required under Texas Tax Code Chapter 312 for the company to be eligible for an abatement. Earl said installation would start in October 2025 if the project proceeds and estimated the investment would generate roughly $2 million to $2.5 million in total property-tax revenue over 10 years, shared between Wichita County and Iowa Park Independent School District.

Earl outlined the company’s local footprint and recent metrics: the Iowa Park facility employs about 700 people with annual payroll topping $40 million; the proposed new positions would be in addition to existing jobs. He also described planned real-property work—distribution and power upgrades—and personal-property improvements such as HVAC and racking. Earl said Sealed Air has reduced greenhouse-gas emissions 25% and energy intensity 17% compared with 2019 levels and is “considering installing solar,” a measure he noted had not been approved.

Commissioners voiced support for the project during brief discussion. A motion to authorize the county judge to sign the resolution was made by Commissioner Mahler and seconded by Commissioner Fincannon; the motion carried, 4-0.

The court instructed staff to publish the required public notice (to run in Thursday’s paper) and set a May 13 meeting to consider a formal abatement agreement.

Votes at a glance: - Motion to authorize the county judge to sign a resolution approving Cryovac/Sealed Air Reinvestment Zone No. 2 (mover: Commissioner Mahler; second: Commissioner Fincannon). Outcome: approved, 4-0. Note: sets zone designation so Sealed Air may apply for a Chapter 312 property-tax abatement and schedules May 13 for consideration of an abatement agreement. - Consent agenda (includes four routine items): motion by Commissioner Mahler, seconded by Commissioner Beauchamp. Outcome: approved, 4-0. - Regular bills and payroll verification: motion and second (movers not specified in the record). Outcome: approved, tally recorded as 3 yes, 0 no, 1 abstention (Commissioner Fincannon abstained). - Approval and ratification of minutes for April 1 regular session and April 4 special session (mover: Commissioner Fincannon; second: Commissioner Beauchamp). Outcome: approved, 4-0. - Reassignment of Road & Bridge Precinct 5 vehicles and equipment (mover: Commissioner Pincannon; second: Commissioner Beauchamp). Outcome: approved, 4-0.

Why it matters: The reinvestment-zone designation is a prerequisite under the Texas Tax Code for a company seeking a Chapter 312 abatement; if an abatement is later granted it can lower the company’s property-tax bill for a negotiated period in exchange for new investment and jobs. Sealed Air is already one of the largest employers in the area, and county leaders framed the request as a continuation of a long-standing local partnership.

What’s next: County staff will publish the required notice and bring an abatement agreement back to the commissioners for consideration at the May 13 meeting. The public hearing record closed at 10:30 a.m. on April 8; no public speakers opposed or supported the reinvestment-zone designation during the hearing.

Context and limits: Figures and timelines are as stated in the hearing record. The court’s action on April 8 designates the zone only; any specific tax-abatement agreement would require a separate vote. Earl and the Sealed Air representatives described a possible solar installation as "considering" and not yet approved.