Economic investment continues to be made at the Tyler Interstate Commerce Park, a 412-acre development with over a mile and a half of Interstate 20 frontage. (Contributed Photo)

The Smith County Commissioners Court on Tuesday granted a tax abatement to a business that plans to locate in the Tyler Interstate Commerce Park.

Tyler Economic Development Council President Scott Martinez informed the court about an opportunity for Braun Corporation, or BraunAbility, to expand. The company has partnered with SunCap Property Group to construct a 140,000-square-foot building on 29 acres.

BraunAbility creates automobile mobility products for people with disabilities.

“The white vans you see at the airport, those are their vans,” Martinez said. “They retrofit those for lots of uses.”

The company currently employs 68 workers at its facility on State Highway 64. The expanded facility is expected to add 74 jobs with an average salary of $53,000.

The commissioners also heard an annual review of tax abatements. The Smith County Tax Abatement Committee reviewed the status of eight projects, including:

GG Distributing

Industrial Wood Technology

Jasper Ventures (corporate)

Jasper Ventures (warehouse)

Sanderson Farms (hatchery)

Sanderson Farms (plant)

Tyler Pipe

Wastequip

The committee reported that 2,075 jobs were created, and 572 jobs were retained through these expansion projects. Additionally, these companies have invested approximately $328 million in new plant and equipment in Smith County.

The county also participates in four projects initiated by the City of Tyler, including Hiland Dairy, Homeland Title, Hood Packaging and Trane.

Judge Neal Franklin read a proclamation recognizing May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

One in five American adults experiences a mental illness each year, but only a fraction of them receive treatment.

In Smith County, the Andrews Center is the designated local mental health authority responsible for offering and coordinating integrated healthcare services to the East Texas community. Their goal is to help people achieve independence and well-being and promote hope, growth, and positive change.

Mental illness and substance use disorders are the leading causes of disability in the United States. It’s crucial to prevent substance use disorders and promote mental health and recovery to ensure the longevity of communities.

The Andrews Center and community stakeholders aim to raise awareness and provide education to combat mental health stigma.

The court approved an affiliation agreement with the University of Texas at Tyler. Nursing and psychology students will provide educational training and medical care at all Smith County Jail facilities.

According to the agenda packet, the proposed partnership will provide training to students, inmates, and staff. It will expand medical services and create a more comprehensive team approach to inmate care.

In other business:

The court approved an access and utility easement granted to Oncor for property near North Fannin Avenue and East Ferguson Street.

The court then approved a contract with a new voter registration system through VR Systems.

The court has authorized the sale of Memorial Day fireworks from May 22 to May 27.

The court approved the addendum to the Law Enforcement Support Office, State Plan of Operation, between Smith County and the State of Texas.

The court authorized compensatory time currently accrued by the Road and Bridge Department through May 18 and further authorized the payment of overtime pay for the remainder of the budget year 2024.

The District Attorney was authorized by the court to approve payment of accrued compensatory time and overtime for employees of the Texas Financial Crimes Intelligence Center.

Before the meeting concluded, Franklin left due to a medical issue. He was checked out by EMS and taken to the emergency room. No further update was available as of Wednesday.