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Bee County court accepts resolution to begin TIRZ planning for Chase Field airport
Summary
The court accepted a resolution from the Bee Development Authority asking the county to start preparatory work toward a tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) around Chase Field airport; commissioners discussed the mechanics, need for outside counsel and that no new taxes would be created.
The Bee County Commissioners Court on June 8 voted to accept a resolution from the Bee Development Authority (BDA) asking the county to begin preparatory work toward creating a tax increment reinvestment zone (TIRZ) around the Chase Field industrial‑airport complex.
Michael Blair, executive director of the BDA, told the court the TIRZ would allow tax revenue generated by future increases in taxable value to be dedicated to airport and infrastructure improvements. “TIRZ is an incredibly powerful economic development tool in the state of Texas,” Blair said, asking the court to authorize staff to begin necessary preparatory work and to schedule a public hearing when ready.
Commissioners discussed key legal and governance steps, including the formation of a reinvestment board, the need to retain outside counsel to ensure compliance with state rules, and the fact that a TIRZ does not create new taxes but redirects future growth in taxable value toward the reinvestment plan. The court approved accepting the BDA resolution and authorized county staff to begin preparatory steps including engaging outside counsel.
Next step: the county will work with the BDA and legal advisors to prepare materials for a public hearing and for formal TIRZ creation if warranted.
