1989-10-09 Public Hearing and Regular Meeting

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e e estimate of the economic effect of the creation of the zone and the abatement of taxes and the benefit to the eligible jurisdiction and the property to be included in the zone. (e) The County shall not establish a reinvestment zone or enter into an abatement agreement if it finds that the request for the abatement was filed after the commencement of construction, alteration, or installation of improvements related to a proposed modernization, expan~ion or new facility. An applicant is ineligible for abatement if a decision to commence a modernization, expansion or new facility in Harris County has been formally announced on or before the date of adoption of these guidelines and criteria. (f) Variance. Requests for variance from the provisions of Subsections (a), (e) and (g) of Section 2 may be made in written form to a designated member of Commissioners Court, provided, however, the total duration of an abatement shall in no instance exceed seven years. Such request shall include a complete description of the circumstances explaining why the applicant should be granted a variance. Approval of a request for variance requires a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Commissioners Court. PUBLIC HEARING AND APPROVAL Section 4. (a) The Commisioners Court may not adopt a resolution designating a reinvestment zone until it has held a public hearing at which interested persons are entitled to speak and present evidence for or against the designation. Notice of the hearing shall be clearly identified on the Commissioners Court agenda at least 30 days prior to the hearing. The presiding officers of eligible jurisdictions shall be notified in writing at least 15 days prior to the hearing. (b) Prior to entering into a tax abatement agreement the Commissioners Court may, at its option, hold a public hearing at which interested persons shall be entitled to speak and present written materials for or against the approval of the tax abatement agreement. (c) In order enter into a tax abatement agreement, the Commissioners Court must find that the terms of the proposed agreement meet these Guidelines and Criteria and that: (1) there will be no substantial adverse affect on the provision of the jurisdiction's service or tax base; and (2) the planned use of the property will not constitute a hazard to public safety, health or morals. - 6 -