Commissioners approve economic development software purchase

Milam County Commissioners approved software to help with economic development and decided to support an application to help with the quiet zone in Cameron during a meeting on Monday.

Commissioners approved the purchase of Impact Dashboard Economic Development Software for the Milam County Industrial Development Corporation during the meeting.

The software will help with new business development and give the group tools for deciding if tax abatement is a good investment to bring new business to the county.

The software will cost the county $5,700 for the first year.

Commissioners also agreed to support the Cameron Industrial Foundation again in its attempt to get a RAISE Grant from the Federal Transportation Administration to develop a Quiet Zone in Cameron. 

County Judge Bill Whitmire said the grant will help with safer railroad crossings and reduce the need for the train whistle in downtown Cameron. The City of Cameron has previously tried for the grant twice. Cameron Economic Development Foundation Director Ginger Watkins said this is a 100 percent grant and no matching funds will be needed from the city. The grant application is due in February.

In other business commissioners also: approved a variances applications and and water line installations; approved the purchase of a 2007 Peterbilt truck for Precinct 3; and ordered the primary election for March 5.