Commissioners plan workshop on economic development priorities; court appoints liaison to chamber

Commissioner David Dulles presented a list of proposed economic development priorities to the Grimes County Commissioners Court on March 19, including pursuit of a county hotel-occupancy tax (HOT), development of a county-maintained database of developable properties, creation of an in-house economic development coordinator, an intern program, and a county marketing plan.

"If we as a county are serious about making economic development a priority, it is time for us to consider creating our own in-house positions to facilitate economic development instead of outsourcing it," Dulles said, summarizing a list he asked the court to consider and submit to the chamber per the county's contract.

Commissioners discussed regional context, infrastructure constraints and ongoing work with the Greater Brazos Partnership. Several members said they supported deeper discussion. The court agreed to schedule a special meeting (workshop) to review and finalize county priorities and to coordinate with the chamber on next steps.

Separately, commissioners voted to designate a commissioner as the county liaison to the Navasota Chamber of Commerce to implement contract obligations. The motion to appoint a commissioner as liaison was made by Commissioner Philip Cox and seconded by Commissioner Chad Mallett; the court voted in favor with one abstention and the motion carried.

Ending

Staff will coordinate dates for a special meeting in late March or early April to finalize priorities and to work with chamber staff on the county's agreed list of economic development priorities.