EDC Looking At New Hotel Vendor

The Wills Point Economic Development Corporation voted on Tuesday to write a letter of intent pursuing an agreement with a hotel vendor for the property on East Highway 80.

The property was recently deeded back to the EDC after the previous developer could not complete financing. During public comments, J.R. Everett brought to the board’s attention, a hotel vendor who had previously expressed interest in the property.

The board members also heard from a representative from Conway Company CPA’s regarding the Annual Financial Report for the EDC. The corporation received an "unqualified clean opinion" in the report.

Among the positives in the report was the increase of sales tax revenue Wills Point has had in the past year, while most other municipalities are experiencing decreases.

The report also stated that the EDC has finances in place to maintain and service its current debt. In September 2008, the corporation’s outstanding balance was $264,314. The debt is due to be paid off in September 2011.

The board then heard from Airport Advisory Board President Paul Addison regarding the Van Zandt County Airport.

Wills Point was recognized at the Texas Aviation Expo. During a seminar about the RAMP program, a video showing work being done at the airport was shown along with information about how the maintenance program works. Weldon Massey attended the conference on behalf of the advisory board.

As a part of the RAMP program, the advisory board recently completed a preliminary "Through The Fence Access" agreement to be presented at the next city council meeting. The agreement provides access for landowners adjacent to the airport and is required before the airport can receive public funds. It will also provide for future expansion of the airport.

The board also held an initial discussion regarding possible future fuel sales. After the meeting, Addison described the advisory board as being in the "research stage" of providing fuel sales, but added that providing fuel would increase traffic at the airport.

In other news, the board approved a bid for mowing services on three properties by Lawn Enforcement.