Public hearing to discuss KEDC funds
By BRENDA ALLUMS news1@kilgorenewsherald.com

How economic development funds may be used will be the topic of disquisition at a public hearing Monday

The hearing is scheduled 5:30 p.m. at the Kilgore Public Library, 301 Henderson Blvd.

The special election has been called on May 13 for residents to consider the use of Kilgore Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) 4A sale tax monies for authorized 4B projects.

As a 4A corporation, KEDC can - in general - only use its funds for industrial recruitment and expansion and employment growth and retention. However, if approved by Kilgore voters on May 13, some of the corporation's funds could designated for 4B or "quality of life" projects.

The city has requested KEDC to consider partnering on projects to help relieve the burden of costly projects .

The May 13 ballot will list individually general types of "quality of life" projects that KEDC can help fund. If approved, then the city will present a list of proposed projects to KEDC board members.

The May election is not to replace the 4A tax with 4B Rather, the election will allow voters to decide if they wish to use some of the 4A tax money for 4B projects.

Voters will consider categories of projects - such as parks or streets - rather than specific projects and the voters will decide on each category individually.

Categories include athletic facilities, parks and related public space improvements, tourism and entertainment facilities, commercial facilities, transportation improvements, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, water supply facilities, water conservation programs, other business related improvements and public facility improvements that will promote new or expanded business enterprises.

If voters okay the idea, city officials would then consider the approved categories and start planning specific projects.

However, before implementation, a public hearing on each project would have to be held, and the public apprised of the exact nature of the project and all the specifications, including costs.

Individuals with questions prior to the hearing or who need special accommodations or interpretive services should contact the Karen Custer, city clerk, at (903)984-5081 or FAX to (903) 988-4131.