Farmers Branch council gives staff direction to pursue four-year demo-rebuild tax-incentive plan

City of Farmers Branch councilmembers directed staff Oct. 8 to proceed with a four-year demolition-and-rebuild tax-incentive rebate program that, as presented, would not include a cash rebate.

Deputy Director of Economic Development Darren Harris told the council the item returned after earlier consideration of three options (three-year, five-year and seven-year rebates) and that the mayor and council had broadly agreed to a four-year approach. “When we last met on September 2, we had 3 proposals in front of us. We had 3 year, 5 year, and 7 year tax incentive rebate. The consensus was with the mayor and council that they want to see a 4 year program, and so that is what we are proposing this afternoon,” Harris said.

Council members voiced agreement during the study session. Councilwoman Bennett said she would “compromise on the 4 year tax” option; Councilman Reed said, “I’m right there with you. Looks like a great plan, accomplishes what we want to accomplish. I say we move on.” Mayor and other council members indicated that the direction given should be sufficient for staff to develop the program details.

The proposal as presented did not include a cash rebate; staff phrased this as “without a 0 cash rebate.” City staff will prepare the implementing details, including eligibility requirements, rebate mechanics and any required tax or legal findings, for future council consideration. The mayor characterized the council’s comments as direction rather than a final adoption vote and confirmed that staff should proceed to the next drafting steps.

No formal roll-call vote was recorded in the study-session transcript; council members expressed concurrence and the mayor instructed staff to proceed.