The Hill County Commissioners Court met Wednesday, January 28 and approved changes to the county’s tax abatement agreement with OCI Hillsboro Solar.
The court entered into the agreement with OCI Hillsboro in 2023. The project was expected to encompass roughly 1,300 acres in eastern Hill County within the Bynum Independent School District. The total expected investment was estimated at $320 million, with $200 million in solar energy improvements and $120 million for a battery energy storage system.
Mike Dixon, the county’s economic development counsel, said that OCI Hillsboro is requesting amendments to the abatement that would separate the solar energy improvements and battery storage system, which will be under the company’s wholly-owned affiliate, Hillsboro BESS Project LLC.
Dixon recommended approving the separation of the projects, subject to Hillsboro BESS entering into an identical tax abatement agreement with the county that subjects them to the same requirements of the original agreement.
The company also requested an extension of the project completion date to December 31, 2028. Hyundai Engineering representatives said that their focus has been on the solar portion of the project, and there have been delays on the battery storage system. Dixon recommended the extension be approved, with the company paying a $50,000 extension fee.
Commissioners approved the changes, with Precinct 1 Commissioner Jim Holcomb voting against both proposals.
The court observed and recorded items from the treasurer’s office, including documented changes related to the merger of Citizens State Bank and Cadence Bank and the county’s 2026 investment policy.
County Treasurer Rachel Parker said that a new citizen member of the Hill County Investment Committee will be needed, as John Sawyer has indicated that this will be his last year serving on the committee.
Parker also acknowledged that the committee has not been meeting according to schedule, but she said that the county’s funds are completely secured and she oversees them daily. Moving forward, she and Brassell said that the committee will be meeting as scheduled on a quarterly basis.
Commissioners observed and recorded the county’s jury selection plan, which was submitted by District Clerk Marchel Eubank. By law, jury candidates are randomly selected from the current voter registration list and drivers license and identification card registries.
Two agenda items were approved for the sheriff’s office. Commissioners approved the purchase of new laptop computers with Chapter 59 seizure funds. The court also authorized the sheriff to apply for the DJ-Edward Byrne Memorial Criminal Justice Assistance Grant, which would provide funds for equipment.
Commissioners set public hearings for Tuesday, February 24 on the cancellation of a portion of the plat of the Pioneers Cove Subdivision and on a 35 mile-per-hour speed limit on HCR 3422.
Holcomb said that an individual who owns multiple properties in the Pioneers Cove Subdivision requested that a portion of Linda Lee Crossing that was never constructed be canceled and the road vacated. The original plat was filed in 1950.
The hearings will be held during the court’s regular meeting, which begins at 8:30 a.m.
Commissioners approved several plats, including a minor plat for the Burroughs Addition on FM 933 in Precinct 2, a final plat for the Mayspring Whitney Estates Addition off of HCR 1306 in Precinct 1, and a final plat for the Buffalo Ridge Addition.
Emergency Management Coordinator Chris Jackson updated the court on last week’s winter storm. He said that his office was in contact with the Red Cross, utility providers, the Texas Department of Transportation and communities throughout the county leading up to and throughout the winter weather. Emergency Management also had daily calls with the National Weather Service and ERCOT.
State resources staged at the fairgrounds in Hillsboro for deployment throughout Central Texas as needed. The Texas National Guard and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System were both staged locally with equipment.
Jackson said that there were four major power outages during the event. A major outage is classified as an interruption impacting over 500 residents for more than three hours. There were nine major vehicle accidents, 21 minor accidents, eight fires and 68 ambulance calls during the storm.
Covington’s water system was crippled due to the freeze, and Jackson said that the sheriff was able to provide two large jet heaters to assist.
Brassell said that he was happy to see the communication throughout the county during the event and the number of resources and officials coming together to address issues. He said that the county was prepared to set up warming shelters if needed, and those who were in need of assistance were helped.
The court’s next regularly scheduled meeting is set for Tuesday, February 10, at 8:30 a.m.
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