The Texas Enterprise Zone Program (EZP) is a state sales and use tax refund program designed to encourage private investment and job creation in economically distressed areas of the state.

The City Council held a meeting on Monday, August 26 in which they were presented information regarding the nomination from newly hired Economic Development Director Arturo Marquez.

Marquez explained that the purpose of the resolution was to designate Fort Duncan Regional Medical Centers as a qualified business under the Texas Enterprise Zone Program.

The Texas Enterprise Zone Program (EZP) is a state sales and use tax refund program designed to encourage private investment and job creation in economically distressed areas of the state.

Marquez explained that since its last designation the hospital has added over 100 jobs, bringing employee totals to 380, with 312 of those as full time positions. “They have a monthly payroll of $1,800,0000,” said Marquez.

The City Council approved a resolution for the nomination process which will be submitted for review to the State by September 1.

Texas communities must nominate companies in their jurisdiction to receive an Enterprise Zone designation and thus be eligible to receive state sales and use tax refunds on qualified expenditures by submitting an application on the company’s behalf.

Companies must contribute information to the application packet where required and must meet minimum capital investment thresholds and create and/or retain jobs that employ a certain percentage of economically disadvantaged individuals, enterprise zone residents, or veterans.

Companies approved for Enterprise Zone designations are eligible to apply for refunds of the state sales and use tax they have paid during the designation period on qualified expenditures, up to their maximum allowable refund.