Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority
Meeting of: 11/19/2024
Title:
title
Consideration, discussion and possible approval of and authorization to execute an Economic Development Agreement between Regent Bank and the Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority
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Background:
A declared goal of the City of Broken Arrow is to encourage, facilitate and promote economic growth within and near the city by attracting and expanding both new and existing industry and commercial business. In 2023, Broken Arrow voters approved a 25-year renewal of the city’s franchise with Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO). As part of the franchise agreement, PSO collects a 2% franchise fee and a newly established 1% economic development fee, to be used as a fund for essential services and future prosperity. Upon passing the 1% economic development franchise fee, City Council adopted a formal Incentive Policy to support economic growth opportunities throughout the City.
Through the formal Incentive Policy procedure, Regent Bank submitted an incentive application, with a request to cost share in the relocation of a natural gas transmission line that bifurcates the property, located at 607 Stone Wood Drive, therefore increasing the surrounding property’s developable area. The proposed project includes a 30,000 square foot mixed use business and commercial facility with a total capital investment of approximately $15,000,000. Regent Bank estimates that by the second year, after completion of the project, that it will employ an estimated 40 new full-time personnel with an average yearly wage of approximately $65,000.
The incentive application was reviewed by the Broken Arrow Economic Development Incentive Review Committee (which is made up of several EDC Board members). The committee reviewed the application to confirm eligibility based on the Economic Development Incentive Policy, and the recommendation was made to deny the request for the following reasons:
• The property is high-profile, and the financial institution involved is financially sound.
• The issue with the gas line should have been identified during the due diligence process.
• Negotiations for the gas line connection should be handled by the developer.
• The project has significantly reduced in scope compared to its original plan.
The reasons provided were taken into consideration by City leadership, however upon review, it was determined that the project is eligible for an incentive based on the Incentive Policy guidelines, and therefore recommends the following:
Upon installation and approval by the gas company of the relocated transmission line, the City shall reimburse the Company a sum of half of the total cost of the project, in an amount not to exceed $40,000.00.
Cost: Not to exceed $40,000
Funding Source: Broken Arrow Economic Development Authority
Requested By: Makala Barton, Acting Economic Development Director
Approved By: City Manager’s Office
Attachments: Economic Development Agreement
Recommendation:
recommend
Approve and authorize the execution of the Economic Development Agreement.
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