Texas Rising

Partnering for Impact

Hill County Courthouse
Architect W.C. Dodson designed the Hill County Courthouse, which was built in 1890. The three-story structure features a seven-story clock tower, Corinthian columns and stained glass windows. On Jan. 1, 1993, a fire reduced the grand courthouse to ruins. Restoration of the building took more than six years and $9 million to complete, according to the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. The courthouse is now open for visitors. For more information, contact the Hillsboro Chamber at (254) 582-2481 or by e-mail at chamber@hillsborochamber.org.

The Comptroller’s office empowers local governments and communities with the information and tools they need to encourage, create and support economic development and jobs for Texans. Look for our special “Partnering for Impact” section each month, featuring timely, important information, news and tips for local governments and economic development corporations.

  • Together, the local sales taxes for economic develop­ment (Section 4A and 4B) are the largest single source of public funds dedicated to local economic development in Texas.

  • The number of economic development corporations in Texas grew from 624 in fiscal 2005 to 640 in fiscal 2006, according to preliminary data from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

  • Corporation sales tax receipts rose by 14 percent in fiscal 2006, to more than $478 million.

  • Cities may adopt a sales tax for economic develop­ment by a local-option election held in either May or November, subject to a maximum local rate of
    2 percent.

  • Effective April 1, 2009, all Section 4A and Section 4B corporations will be renamed “Type A” and “Type B” corporations after the 80th Legislature adopted House Bill 2278.

  • The County Assistance District Sales tax option will become available to more counties with the adoption of House Bill 1720. The bill removed the prohibition on adopting the tax in counties containing a city with either a 4A or 4B corporation by allowing such cities to opt out of the proposed district.

The Comptroller’s office has created the new Local Government Assistance and Economic Development Division to better serve the needs of local governments and the public. For more information, visit the Local Government Assistance Web site or call (800) 531-5441, ext. 3-4679.