Kilgore EDC: Companies exceeded commitments by $95M; commissioners accept 90% compliance finding for Skeeter Products

Lisa, a representative of the Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KDC), told the Gregg County Commissioners Court that six companies subject to 2025 tax-abatement agreements exceeded their committed investments and job targets.

"The total amount that they invested of real and personal property was $10,400,000," Lisa said of Skeeter Products, adding that, with additional capital outlays, the company’s investments and increased capital expenditures effectively counted for 44 jobs. She told the court the combined capital investment across the six contracts was more than $95,000,000 over committed values and 177 jobs over and above committed positions.

KDC recommended acknowledging compliance for all six companies and treating Skeeter Products as 90% in compliance for the year — short of the 100% compliance threshold but improved from last year’s 88% — to reflect downturns in the marine industry and the company’s recent robotics investment. Commissioner Wingo moved to follow KDC’s recommendation; Commissioner Craig seconded the motion and the court approved it by voice vote.

Why it matters: tax-abatement compliance reviews inform whether companies are meeting investment and job commitments tied to local incentives. Acknowledging a lower compliance percentage can affect future abatements, reporting and coordination with partner jurisdictions.

What was said: Lisa summarized the projects and performance metrics, noting Canfield USA’s move into a 420,000-square-foot facility, Keep Right Refrigeration’s phase progress, and Skeeter Products’ capital expenditures and job accounting. "They would normally call for a 100 to qualify for a 100% in compliance, but we would recommend 90%," she said.

Next steps: The court’s voice vote accepted KDC’s evaluations and the clerk will reflect the acknowledgment in the official minutes and records.