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Hood County commissioners unanimously rescind July letter of support for 'Project Patriot' amid public opposition to abatements
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Summary
Following large public turnout opposing tax abatements and inadequate transparency for a proposed large project, the commission voted unanimously to rescind a July 9, 2025 letter of support related to Project Patriot and associated incentives.
Hundreds of residents who spoke during public comments urged the Hood County Commissioner's Court to rescind a prior July 9, 2025 letter that had expressed support for a large proposed project (referred to in the record as Project Patriot) and discussed a potential property tax abatement. Speakers described the earlier agenda item as vague and lacking public backup documents and raised concerns about water use, air and noise pollution, traffic, and the long‑term costs to county infrastructure.
Commissioner Dave Eagle moved to rescind the July 9 letter of support; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously (5–0). Several commissioners who supported rescinding the letter said they had new information since July that changed their views and that the original letter did not bind the county to any enforceable commitments.
Residents cited specific fears about tax abatements, lost local control, and the precedent an initial supportive letter could set for future incentives. "We are the people and the people are saying we like our county," said Cindy Highsmith of Pecan Plantation; "We do not want tax abatements, no incentives for a project the people do not want."
The court's unanimous vote rescinds the July 9, 2025 letter of support; commissioners said they remain open to discussing project‑specific protections in a public, transparent manner if proposals are submitted with full supporting information.
