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Refugio commissioner discusses economic development

Gary Bourland
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  • Tara Bozick •
  • Originally published January 31, 2009 at 11:14 p.m., updated January 31, 2009 at 11:14 p.m.

REFUGIO - Economic development in Refugio County is a major focus for Refugio County Precinct 3 Commissioner Gary Bourland.

The proposed Exelon nuclear plant will bring jobs to the area, he said.

Bourland spoke with ranging reporter, Madeline Lewis, about this topic and others Tuesday morning in the Refugio County Courthouse.

Q: What would you like to accomplish this year as commissioner of Precinct 3?

A: I would like to continue the road program that we have going at this time - sealcoating, repairs and generally keeping the roads in good condition. Also, to keep the tax rate as low as we can get it and still provide the services needed. Refugio County is debt-free and I would like to keep it that way. We also have an almost $2 million reserve fund that I would like to keep intact.

Q: Do you perceive any unique challenges arising this year?

A: Unique challenges, I don't know. The regular, general challenges. The budget. What our tax base is going to be. Refugio County depends on oil and gas and the farming and ranching community. And we just don't know what that's going to be until we get our assessments done by the appraisal board. But the budget will definitely be a challenge.

Q: Does Refugio County plan to have any special projects in its budget this year?

A: We haven't got that far. We haven't had any planning meetings or workshops yet. I think one project would be the economic development of Refugio County.

Q: In what areas would you like to see economic development?

A: I would like to see economic development in housing. If we are going to have companies and business come to Refugio County, the employees they are going to hire will need a place to live.

Q: So do you see this economic development as bringing in new workers or supplying longtime residents with jobs?

A: I see it doing both. The new workers would be a definite boost into our communities. If the right businesses or industries come in, we could have long term job effects. The nuclear plant they are proposing, Exelon, would be a stimulus. The new fabricating plant is also a shot in the arm for us. I think good things are going to happen.

Q: Are any new businesses on the horizon as of today?

A: There has been some talk of people looking at Refugio. I'm not sure exactly when they would be looking at a project. We had a department-type store that was looking at the old middle school. I don't know of any definite businesses that have committed.


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