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Council nominates Blue Cross Blue Shield for Texas Enterprise Zone incentive
Summary
The council approved a nomination of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for a state Enterprise Zone incentive; the company committed $5 million in capital investment and said it will retain about 500 full‑time positions, according to staff.
The City Council on Aug. 11 approved nominating Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas for a Texas Enterprise Zone grant, a state economic development incentive that can provide a state sales and use tax refund.
City Manager Emily Crawford introduced representatives from DCOA (Development Corporation of Abilene), Ryan Consulting and Blue Cross Blue Shield and described the Enterprise Zone grant as a state program administered by the governor’s office. "The enterprise zone provides businesses with a state sales and use tax refund," Crawford said, and she clarified the incentive is a state program and does not affect local sales tax revenue.
Crawford said the company is committing $5,000,000 in capital investment and "retaining 500 full time" positions, per the presentation. The city’s nomination is required to forward the project to the state for consideration.
Amy Fogle, a resident who spoke during the public hearing, thanked the Development Corporation of Abilene for its work but raised concerns about hiring targets tied to attributes such as economic disadvantage; she urged careful consideration of hiring practices. No other public speakers addressed the item.
Councilman Espinosa moved to nominate the project; Councilman Craver seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
