GEDC announces details of signage incentive program

Gonzales Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) announced the details of its signage incentive program at the Gonzales City Council meeting Thursday, Aug. 14.

This incentive is intended to support local businesses and property owners in updating, restoring, or installing signage to promote and market their location in Gonzales. This incentive is limited to available funding; priority will be for signage that appropriately complements the historic characteristics of the community.

To be considered for potential funding, a complete application must be submitted to the GEDC.

Completed applications received by the first day of the month will be considered at that month's board meeting; applications received after the first day of the month will be considered at the board meeting of the following month.

Applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and depend on availability of funding. Projects shall not receive funding greater than $1,500 or 90% of the total signage cost; and, must be supported by professional bids/estimates of work to be completed. Maximum of one award per project, and cannot be combined with other grants and/or incentives, i.e. Main Street and Economic Development Corporation, or within 36 months of any prior GEDC related funding.

Funding is disqualified for any improvements made prior to receiving approval of the performance agreement. If approved, funds will be disbursed only after completion of the project in accordance with the agreed upon terms. Upon approval of the project, a representative(s) of the GEDC shall have the right, at reasonable times, to access and inspect work in progress. Applicants must comply with agreed upon terms of the performance agreement.

Incentives can support hose projects hat meet economic development law and community standards. GEDC cannot simply provide gifts of sales tax proceeds A contract is required before any funds may be provided to a project, regardless of the amount. The contract is referred to as "performance agreement” under Chapter 501 of the Texas Local Government Code.

At a minimum, a performance agreement must:

1) Be signed by the parties;

2) Set forth a schedule of additional payroll, additional jobs, or metrics for the business enterprise's economic impact and expansion within the community;

3) Outline in dollars and cents the capital investment to be made by the business;

4) Contain the amount of funds or other monetary or in-kind incentives provided to the enterprise;

5) The terms under which repayment must be made by the business enterprise to the business enterprise; GEDC should the business fail to meet its contractual obligations; and,

6) Contain statutory legal disclaimers required by all Texas political subdivisions and EDCs under the Texas Tax Code, Texas Government Code, and Texas Local Government Code (this includes language that the business enterprise will not employ undocumented workers and will not use the funds to pay delinquent income.

Should an eligible applicant be considered for receipt of any funding, any potential or property taxes, etc.) a performance agreement is required to be approved by both the GEDC board of directors and the City Council as governing authority letter of intent to apply.

To receive an application, reach out to: Gonzales Economic Development Corporation Mail, Attn: Susan Sankey, Executive Director P.O. Box 547 Gonzales, TX 78629. Email: GEDC@gonzales.texas.gov or come in person to 305 St. Lawrence St., Gonzales.