All aboard for the Synergy Park Express
By BRENDA ALLUMS news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

The possibility of constructing a railroad spur in Synergy Park to help entice an industrial prospect to Kilgore tops the agenda for Tuesday’s city commission meeting.

The commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.

The commission is expected to discuss the possibility of borrowing funds for the construction of a railroad spur at the new industrial park adjacent to the as-yet-to-open loop.

Jeff Howell, city manager, said Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) is working with a prospect that will require readily-accessible railroad services.

“This (prospect) would make a significant capital investment in Kilgore and bring in a significant number of jobs,” City Manager Jeff Howell said.

The city manager said KEDC does not have the “cash to put the spur in and they (KEDC representatives) want to talk to the commission before committing to the company.”

Howell said the project could cost $2 million.

“This will not just help Kilgore with this prospect, but it will give us another plus with other prospects,” Howell said.

Commissioners are also expected to discuss and take action on a request for an ordinance to call a special election in May to change Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) from 4A to a 4B corporation.

Currently, KEDC collects a half-cent sales tax for economic development purposes. The current form, 4A, is considered more restrictive than the 4B system.

The commission is also expected to consider an ordinance adopting a local option tax exemption from city property taxes for residents 65 years of age or older and for disabled persons qualifying for a disability homestead.

Commissioners have discussed this during past meetings but the subject was been advanced from a “discussion item” to an “action item.”

Howell is also expected to discuss the possibility of applying for a Hazardous Mitigation Disaster Fund grant through FEMA.

“I want to discuss the matter and get input from the commissioners,” he said.

Howell said FEMA is looking for places to construct emergency shelters.

“They want buildings capable of withstanding hurricanes, tornadoes and other storms,” he said.

He said the facility, if approved by the commission and if the grant is awarded to the city, could double as a “civic center.”

Commissioners are also expected to call the special election for the purpose of approving the proposed changes to the city charter .

Updating the city charter will means Kilgore residents will face a 37-proposition ballot on May 7.

An 11-member committee worked several months to examine the current charter and make suggestions for changes that would bring the document up to date. The charter was last revised in 1965.

In other business, commissioners will also consider a resolution adopting a new voting system for the city.

“The voting system under consideration is electric and uses paper ballots, also,” said Howell. “In the past we’ve only used paper ballots.”

The new voting system will bring the city into compliance with the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). The federal legislation make s it mandatory for election sites to have electronic voting machines suitable for use by disabled voters.

Commissioners are also expected to:

 Accept a Lone Star Libraries Grant in the amount $3,394; and,

 Consider adoption of an ordinance increasing the estimated receipts for library grant revenue and increasing the Library Department General Fund Budget by $3,395 for replacing flooring.