Economic development by itself, does not directly help that many people – only those who can participate in it. However, setting up a system where the City can make more money and reinvest into the community can benefit everybody.
Rockdale needs industrial value on its tax rolls. It also needs large volume water customers. This position reflects the financial needs of the City of Rockdale; but if the City can make more money (revenue through property taxes, sales taxes, and utility sales), then the City can have the needed resources to improve everyone’s quality of life.
With this additional money, the City could:
- Lower the residential tax rate and burden, shifting the tax burden from residents to industry.
- Improve city infrastructure like streets and parks
- Improve public safety by fully funding our Police Department
- Keep water rates low.
These are my ideas only and meant to spur conversation. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves
The Rockdale MDD is working on activating a new industrial park. Once ready, we will have real estate product available for new companies to come to Rockdale. New companies will be new sources of tax revenue and job opportunities.
Next week, we will talk about our new industrial park and how we are working to activate it.
We are going to do great things in Rockdale, Texas!