Business Development Maintain Site/ Building Inventory Zoning & Permitting Assistance Financing Options Available State/ Federal Programs Certified Development Corp. Banks Liaison to Enterprise Zone Program Interpret Tax Phase-In Market Consumer Surveys Community Profile/ Census Statistics Hyper Link to Chamber/ City Web Site Assist with State & Federal Agencies
Small Business Development Center Counseling Texas Department of Economic Development Permitting, Import/ Export, Marketing Workforce Development Texas Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Agriculture Small Business Administration Workforce Center U.S. Economic Development Agency Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center
Entrepreneurial Start-up Guidance Feasibility of Business Proposal Development of Business Plan State and Federal Programs
Retail Business Assistance Store/ Window Display Inventory Management Planning Public Relations Budgeting Advertising Costs Promotions/ Community Events
Expansion/Retention Assistance Business Plan Creation and Evaluation State and Federal Programs Market Analysis
Recruitment Retail Target Market Identification Marketing Plan Development Business and Marketing Implementation Location/ Relocation Assistance Business Development Infrastructure Development Workforce Development
Rehabilitation of Historic Business Properities Liaison…
Texas Historical Commission Liaison
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Product Sources
Restoration Professionals
Available Loans and Grants Sec. Of Interior Standards Interpretation Liaison to...
Rehabilitation Programs
Lockhart Historical-Preservation Commission
City Building, Zoning & Permitting Departments
Lockhart Economic Development Corporation
Caldwell County Development Corporation
Revolving Loan Fund
City of Lockhart Revolving Loan Fund
The Team for a Successful Future Small Business Development Center Lockhart Economic Development Department Lockhart Chamber of Commerce Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Radio, TV, $5,876,993$0$5,876,993 and Computer Stores
Recreational $386,799$0$386,799 Vehicle Dealers
Retail $920,988$0$920,988 Nurseries and Garden
Sewing, $45,638$0$45,638 Needlework and Craft Stores
Shoe Stores$457,547$0$457,547
Sporting $330,636$0$330,636 Goods, Bicycle And Gun Stores
Stationery$585,745$0$585,745 Stores
Tobacco $29,518$0$29,518 Stores and Stands
Used Car $2,410,783$2,100,000$310,783 Dealers
Used $477,630$400,000$77,630 Merchandise Stores
Women’s $53,983$0$53,983 Accessory and Specialty Store
Women’s $354,558$100,000$254,558 Clothing Stores
Total: $79,244,843$10,800,000$68,444,843
Taxes
Property Tax
Taxing Entity*
Tax Rate / Per $100**
City of Lockhart
.7227
Caldwell County
.6907
Lockhart ISD
1.1868
Plum Creek Consrv
.0195
Plum Creek U.G.
.0195
*Not all taxes would apply. Depends on location of business or home **All Property is Assessed @ 100% Valuation
Sales Tax
City
County
State
1.5 %
.5 %
6.25 %
Triple Freeport Tax Exemption
Texas communities tax business inventory at the same rate as land, buildings and equipment. However, some cities, like Lockhart, grant the Triple Freeport Exemption from all three taxing entities, the City of Lockhart, Caldwell County and the Lockhart Independent School District.
The exemption covers tangible goods, excluding services and petroleum products, which are detained in the state for purposes of assembling, storing, manufacturing, processing, or fabricating by the person who acquired or imported the property. To qualify for the exemption, the goods must be transported out of state no later than 175 days after the date the owner acquired or imported the property.
The owner must file an application with the Chief Appraiser by April 30 of each year the exemption is sought. The Caldwell County Appraisal District provides information and the application for Freeport Exemptions.
Lockhart Municipal Airport Size: 90 acres Lenght: 4,000 ft. Width: 75 ft. Elevation: 531 ft. Approximate Number of Transits Annually: 400
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (15 minutes from Lockhart) Lenght: 12,250 ft & 9,000 ft Gates: 25 Elevation: 541 General Information: 9 million passengers in 2011 10,152 public parking spaces 268 commercial passenger flights per day
Distance to:
Downtown Austin: 30 miles Downtown Houston: 156 miles Downtown Dallas: 228 miles
Unemployment Rate: 5.5% as of April 2012 for the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA Workforce Population/ Unionization Caldwell County Workforce is 15,978 0% Union activity and no history of union activity
Potential for Employment The Target Industry Analysis, prepared by Lower Colorado authority, states Lockhart is noted as fortunate to have key demographic variables that would be attractive to any employer considering Lockhart as a final destination. Key attributes:
Growing, youthful population which is entering the workforce in increasing numbers
Labor force is twice the size of total employment for the county increasing the lure to work locally in Lockhart
A continuing enhancement of performance in the Lockhart school district
Skill of Workforce Lockhart draws a workforce from approximately a 35-mile radius. Within this area there are a wide variety of manufacturing operations and multiple high-tech companies. These are located north, in Austin and its surrounding areas, while businesses south of Lockhart tend to be more agricultural.
Occupational Skills Greatest concentration: Professional/Sales occupations. These are closely followed by service and production.
2010 Census
%
By Occupation:
Management, business, science, and arts
25.4
Service
23.6
Sales and Office
26.5
Natural resources, construction, and maintenance
10.7
Production, transportation, and material making
13.8
By Industry:
Retail Trade
12.3
Educational Services, health care, and social assistance
25.7
Public Administration
10.9
Manufacturing
7.8
15% of surveyed employees working in Lockhart are using a trade that is not their best skill to avoid commuting. The commute to work is not only a hassle for our citizens, but keeps our city from strengthening the community. Workforce Survey identifies: 55% of our local workforce drives out of the County to work; due to the fact that the local workforce is driving to Austin or San Marcos for their jobs it puts them in a highly skilled and professional job level. 80% of these respondents, would prefer to work here in the city
Training Opportunities AustinCommunity College will create instruction classes based on your specific needs and will hold them on site in Lockhart by contract. The State of Texas offers workforce training grant programs that are intended for this purpose. The Skills Development Fund provides grants which assists businesses and labor unions by designing, financing, and implementing customized job training programs
Wages
Average Weekly Wages in Caldwell County by Industry
Administrative and Support Services - $516 Professional and Technical Services - $538 Manufacturing - $614 Transportation and Warehousing - $963
Lockhart Independent School District (LISD) Staff Size: 627 Number of Students: 4,700
Acknowledgements and Awards: The LockhartIndependentSchool District received two acknowledgements from the Texas Education Agency for the 2004-2005 school year. First was an accountability rating of “Academically Acceptable”, which is based upon TASK and SDAA II results, dropout rates, and high-school completion rates. The second was a Gold Performance Acknowledgement stating that the LISD had “Commended Performance in the study of Writing.” Over the past few years, 2003-2005, each sector of schools(elementary thru high-school) in the LISD have seen considerable rises in student passing percentages for tests in reading, writing, and mathematics. Additionally, an online report card, implemented by www.myschools.com shows the increase of our high-school graduation rate from 84.2% in 2003 to 88.5% in 2005, which surpasses the Texas state average.
Lockhart Junior High School was recognized as a 2007 No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education.Only 23 schools in Texas were selected. A total of 287 schools nationwide were selected as 2007 No Child Left Behind -- Blue Ribbon Schools. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. Department of Education and is given to schools that challenge students to perform at high academic levels and make significant progress in closing the achievement gap. Specifically, public and private elementary, middle, and high schoolsselected for the award have had 40 percent or more of their students dramatically improve performance to high levels on state tests.
San Marcos Texas State University, San Marcos (18 miles from Lockhart)
Austin Austin Community College (26 miles from Lockhart) Huston-Tillotson College (28 miles from Lockhart) St. Edward's University (30 miles from Lockhart) The University of Texas at Austin (31 miles from Lockhart) Concordia University (49 miles from Lockhart)
San Antonio St. Mary's University (70 miles from Lockhart)
Quality of Life
Public Parks
7
Public Swimming Pools
2
Football / Soccer / Baseball Fields
10
Golf Courses
1
Cinemas
1 (6 screens)
Public Libraries
1
Theatres
1
Museums / Galleries
2
Churches
31
The population in Lockhart continues to grow As a city, population rose 35.4% from 1994 to 2003, and has been estimated to have welcomed another 1500 new residents in the last 5 years. CaldwellCounty is taking second only to TravisCounty in the greatest number of new residents migrating from out of state. The Lockhart Planning Commission has developed a statement of its own views as the city breaks into the 21st century, and an ideal foresight of the future based on the community’s values. Lockhart’s Vision is:
To be a first-class community that has maintained its integrity and sense of community…
To create a positive community, through the development of new neighborhoods served by parks and open space…
To be a City that focuses on family by ensuring quality recreational activities To be a city recognized for, “The integration of the natural landscape throughout the community…”
9 Specialists: Cardiology, Dermatology, Hematology/Oncology, General and Orthopedic Surgeon, Nephrology, Podiatry, Urology
City of Lockhart EMS
Lockhart EMS serves our community with pride and a high standard of customer service and patient care. They have 2 units that run simultaneously.
Traffic Count
Job Training
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
The City of Lockhart works in conjunction with the Savant Achievement Center to provide a 4-week long Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program.
For more information, please call the City of Lockhart Economic Development Department at 512-398-3461.
Business and Economic Development Resources
Texas State Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Provides free business counseling, advice and educational and training services to businesses to help them start, operate, or grow their enterprise.
Private appointments for companies looking to relocate to Lockhart are available the 2nd Wednesday of each month. Call 512-398-3461 ext. 251 for more information. http://sbdc.mccoy.txstate.edu/
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
One of the most comprehensive resources for providing assistance to small businesses; provides a range of informational and financial products to small businesses, including the 504 and the 7a loan program.
The SBA also provides information on writing business plans and provides business plan formats. http://www.sba.gov/
Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE)
SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship. http://www.score.org/
Austin SCORE 5524 Bee Caves Rd., Westland Park Building M, #100 Austin, Texas 78746 Phone: 512-928-2425
Texas Wide Open for Business
The State of Texas offers a range of economic development incentives and financing options for companies looking to relocate to the State. http://www.texaswideopenforbusiness.com/
Texas Secretary of State
Provides information about business filings, the availability of business names, assumed name certificates and publishes the Texas Business Organization Code. http://www.sos.state.tx.us/
Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
Provides information on a range of state and local taxes, sales tax permits, accessing the Centralized Master Bidders List, providing information on the Texas economy, providing information about registering as a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB), and a host of other tax and business related information. http://www.window.state.tx.us/
United States Department of Agriculture
Rural Development Loan Assistance
USDA Rural Development forges partnerships with rural communities, funding projects that bring housing, community facilities, business guarantees, utilities and other services to rural America.
Business Development
USDA provides technical assistance to businesses and cooperatives located in rural communities, and establishes strategic alliances and partnerships that leverage public, private, and cooperative resources to create jobs and stimulate rural economic activity by promoting business development.
City of Lockhart – Economic Development Department
The City of Lockhart Economic Development Department is ready and willing to assist businesses who are interested in locating or expanding in the Lockhart, Texas or Caldwell County, Texas. The city’s experienced and professional staff are able to help businesses navigate the economic development process. http://www.lockhart-tx.org/web98//citydepartments/ed.asp
Lockhart Chamber of Commerce
Provides events, gatherings, and advertising and marketing opportunities for area businesses. http://www.lockhartchamber.com/
Greater Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
The Caldwell County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s mission is to promote and strengthen the economic welfare of the business community in Caldwell County by supporting proactive activities in the areas of education, civic leadership, and community development and by creating business opportunities for our members. http://www.lockharthispanicchamber.org/
Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP)
The Greater San Marcos Partnership (GSMP) is a 501(c)6 regional economic development corporation serving Hays and Caldwell counties, focused on directing future growth and positioning the region for a wider diversity of quality jobs with higher wages. Our mission is to promote sustainable and comprehensive economic development in the greater San Marcos region by implementing a five-year economic development strategic plan. http://www.greatersanmarcostx.com/
Lockhart Economic Development Revolving Loan Committee
This program is designed to provide financial assistance to existing and new businesses that wish to expand or establish their business within the City limits of Lockhart; however, applicants outside the City limits may also be considered as an exception to these limitations.
Lockhart Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
The Lockhart economic development corporation (EDC) is a non-profit corporation that is able to leverage the economic development sales and use tax to expand economic development through business expansions, business recruitment and exporting.
Lockhart Industrial Foundation (LIF)
A non-profit corporation with two key purposes: (1) to provide community-wide leadership of economic development in the Lockhart area and (2) to construct a speculative building for economic development purposes or if possible pre-lease.
Caldwell County Development Corporation (CCDC)
Administers a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) rural business enterprise grant (RBEG) and a revolving loan fund for companies operating in Caldwell County, Texas.
Incentives - Local and State
Local Incentives
The City of Lockhart and the Lockhart Economic Development team understand the unique and confidential needs of businesses and developers. To facilitate and encourage development, the City offers progressive economic development incentives.
4B Sales Tax Funds
These funds can be used to attract new industrial development, assist with expansions, or provide related infrastructure. (A development assistance package could be used by the company to meet location and development costs in Lockhart.)
Triple Freeport Tax Exemption
Texas communities tax business inventory at the same rate as land, buildings and equipment. However, some cities, like Lockhart, grant the Triple Freeport Exemption from all three taxing entities, the City of Lockhart, Caldwell County and the Lockhart Independent School District.
The exemption covers tangible goods, excluding services and petroleum products, which are detained in the state for purposes of assembling, storing, manufacturing, processing, or fabricating by the person who acquired or imported the property. To qualify for the exemption, the goods must be transported out of state no later than 175 days after the date the owner acquired or imported the property.
The owner must file an application with the Chief Appraiser by April 30 of each year the exemption is sought. The Caldwell County Appraisal District provides information and the application for Freeport Exemptions.
Tax abatements
The City of Lockhart considers tax abatements to eligible developments, based upon the new tax base value the project will add to Lockhart and based upon the number and type of jobs the project will save or create.
Tax Exempt Financing
Lockhart has established the Lockhart Economic Development Corporation to provide the conduit for issuing tax-exempt industrial revenue bonds for manufacturing company developments that meet state and federal guidelines.
Job Training
Lockhart offers all of the training programs available to companies through the state of Texas. These training programs include those offered through the Texas Workforce Commission and Skills Development Fund. The Austin Community College System is prepared to assist companies to develop specific skills.
Corporate Relocation Assistance
The Lockhart Economic Development Corporation assists companies not only in matters related to business (such as support services and products) but also personal and family services including school, house availability, local banks, churches or synagogues, shopping, clubs and organizations, medical services, arts and culture, etc.
Lockhart Industrial Park II is owned and operated by the City of Lockhart and land is offered at competitive prices.
State Incentives
TheTexas Enterprise Fund can be used for a variety of economic development projects, including infrastructure development, community development, job training programs and business incentives.
The Texas Capital Fund Infrastructure and Real Estate Programs provide a way for an eligible applicant to receive funds to make infrastructure and/or real estate improvements to support a specific business that is expanding or beginning operations in the applicant’s jurisdiction. The business must create or retain jobs for Texans.
The Skills Development Fund, offered through the Texas Workforce Commission, assists businesses and trade union by financing the design and implementation of customized job training projects at public community colleges or technical colleges.
The Emerging Technology Fund was created by the state to attract investment in cutting-edge research and technology. Projects are eligible for funding if they will result in the creation of high quality new jobs and have the potential to result in a medical or scientific breakthrough.
For information on local or state incentives, contact Sandra Mauldin, Economic Development Director at 512-398-3461 or by email at smauldin@lockhart-tx.org.
Property Tax Economic Development Programs
Value Limitation & Tax Credits,Chapter 313, Tax Code
An appraised value limitation is an agreement in which a taxpayer agrees to build or install property and create jobs in exchange for an eight year limitation on the taxable property value for school district maintenance and operations tax (M&O) purposes. The minimum limitation varies by school district. The application for a limitation on the appraised value for M&O purposes is submitted directly to the school district and may require an application fee, which is established by each school district. View application forms #50-296 and # 50-300 for School Districts-Economic Development Act.
To qualify for a tax credit, a separate application must be submitted before September 1 of the third year of a ten year period. The credit is for the M&O taxes paid over the limitation amount in the first two years. The school districts tax collector must credit the overage in equal parts over the last seven years of the agreement, but the credit may not exceed 50 percent of the total taxes paid on the qualified property for a given year. Any eligible amount not credited in the seven year period must be credited over the next three years, but not to exceed the total taxes paid on the qualified property. View further details about the Appraised Value Limitation and Tax Credit.
Tax Abatement ActChapter 312, Tax Code
A tax abatement is an agreement between a taxpayer and a taxing unit that exempts all or part of the increase in the value of the real property and/or tangible personal property from taxation for a period not to exceed 10 years. School districts may not enter into abatement agreements. Each taxing unit that wants to consider tax abatement proposals must adopt guidelines and criteria for the creation of a reinvestment zone and must hold a public hearing. After these steps are complete, the taxing unit may, by official action, designate a zone.
Seven days written notice of the hearing must be given to the presiding officer of each of the other taxing units that has taxing jurisdiction over real property within the zone. Notice of the hearing must also be published at least seven days before the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the city. At the public hearing on the reinvestment zone, the governing body must find that the improvements sought are feasible and would benefit the zone after the expiration of the agreement, and the zone meets one of the applicable criteria for reinvestment zones.
More resources:
§Reinvestment Zone For Tax Abatement Registry
§Tax Abatement Agreement Policy
§Property Tax Forms for Abatement Registry & Refund for Economic Development
Tax Increment Financing,Chapter 311, Tax Code
Tax increment financing (TIF) is a tool that local governments can use to publicly finance needed structural improvements and enhanced infrastructure within a reinvestment zone.
A reinvestment zone can be initiated by petition of the affected property owners. A municipality or county can initiate a reinvestment zone without the need for a petition. Restrictions on the creation of a reinvestment zone include:
§No more than 10 percent of the property may be used for residential purposes (does not apply if the district is created by a petition of the landowners).
§May not contain property that cumulatively would exceed 15 percent of the total appraised property value within the city and its industrial districts.
§May not create or change the boundaries of an existing zone if the zone would contain more than 15 percent of the total appraised value or real property taxable by a county or school district.
Learn more about Tax Increment Financing Registry.
The Freeport ExemptionSection 11.251, Tax Code
The Freeport exemption includes a total exemption for personal property, excluding petroleum products, which is detained in this state for a temporary period (175 days or fewer) for assembling, storing, manufacturing, processing, or fabrication purposes.
When this exemption was enacted in 1989, taxing units had the authority to continue to tax or exempt Freeport property by taking an official action. Once a unit decides to exempt Freeport property, it may not rescind the exemption. Applications for Freeport exemptions must be filed with the county appraisal district, and their chief appraiser will compute the exemption, if any. View Taxing Units That Tax Freeport Property, as Reported in 2004.
For additional information, contact the Comptroller’s Property Tax Division toll free at (800) 252-9121 or in Austin at (512)305-9999.
