Council approves Chapter 380 incentive and $100,000 grant for Fritz Industries expansion (one recusal)

Staff presented a Chapter 380 economic development performance agreement intended to support Fritz Industries’ expansion at two Mesquite properties (one on Executive Boulevard and one at 500 North Sam Houston Road). Staff described the package as a combination of a $100,000 cash grant payable at execution and a property‑tax rebate tied to increases in assessed value from the expansion (25% rebate on land and real property incremental value; 50% rebate on additional nonexempt business personal property value), with the total incentive capped at $600,000 over a 10‑year maximum term. Fritz is required to remain in business at the properties for at least 10 years.

City staff said the agreement also memorializes a technical timing provision requested by the company to delay part of an incentive request while certain tax protests are resolved. Michael Kovar, Fritz’s chief financial officer, told council the company consolidated operations and relocated R&D and that the firm intends to continue growing and employing local residents.

Councilmember Elizabeth Rodriguez Ross recused from the Fritz item before discussion. Councilmember Kenny Green moved to approve the agreement with the manager’s stipulated language; Councilmember Jeff Casper seconded. The motion carried 6–0.

What the agreement does not do: the action authorizes the city manager to finalize, execute and administer the agreement; it does not waive future utility charges or forgive ongoing water/sewer bills (staff clarified that a past meter‑billing overpayment was addressed separately).