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Council approves incentive to keep MI Windows & Doors operations in Flower Mound
Summary
The Town Council unanimously approved agenda item K3 to extend a property-value incentive to MI Windows & Doors (MITRE Brands) as the company considered moving 600 jobs to Florida. The package reduces the town's previous incentive rate and is tied to state funding prospects and a planned $9 million equipment investment and 120 new jobs.
The Flower Mound Town Council voted unanimously to approve agenda item K3, an economic incentive to help retain MI Windows & Doors's (doing business as MITRE Brands) Flower Mound operations.
Ray Watson and company representatives briefed the council on the company's proposal and asked for a modification of the property-value incentive. Company presenters said MI Windows & Doors had been in Flower Mound since 2015, had already created about 600 full-time jobs at the facility and invested roughly $18 million, and was considering consolidating operations to Florida if a revised incentive and state support did not materialize.
Ray Watson told council the company sought to move from an earlier incentive that had been 75% for 10 years to an amended term of eight years at 50%, which would reduce the town's foregone tax value while providing a retention tool. Company representatives said they were also pursuing state-level incentives, including a grant of up to $3,000,000 and a Skills Development Fund award of $168,000 to support training for about 120 additional employees; the company said average pay for the new hires would be about $66,560.
Council action and vote
Council member (unnamed on the motion) moved to approve agenda item K3; the motion passed by unanimous roll-call vote: Council member Warner — Aye; Council member Taylor — Aye; Mayor Pro Tem Martin — Aye; Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Schistel — Aye; Council member Drew — Aye.
Council members said they wanted to hold the company accountable for the promised investments and jobs. Mayor Cheryl Moore thanked company representatives for their local investments and community philanthropy; council and staff noted the town would monitor the company's commitments.
What the incentive covers and next steps
Staff said the proposed amendment to the incentive would reduce the town's current property-valuation incentive by shifting from 75% for 10 years to 50% for eight years (the company said that change would "decrease the amount that we're giving up by 25%" and could increase tax rolls sooner). Company officials said a final decision on consolidation was expected at the end of the month and that the state-level grant work (including consultant KPMG engagement) was underway.
Council asked for continued monitoring and accountability language in the agreement and acknowledged concurrent state funding applications. The council vote finalized the town-level authorization; staff will complete the formal agreement and implementation steps with the company and return any required contract documents to the council as needed.
