From new jobs and economic development to emergency response and jail overcrowding, here's a quick roundup of some of the stories you may have missed.
Fiberglass Plant Expansion Expected to Add Up to 100 Jobs
Randall County commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday to amend a 2021 tax incentive agreement tied to the expansion of Amarillo's longtime fiberglass manufacturing plant. The facility, now operating as Original Composites and Fiber after being acquired by the Praana Group, plans to invest between $10 million and $12 million to restart an idle production line. Company officials said the project will create 80 to 100 jobs while making the plant cleaner, faster and more efficient. "If anybody has an iPhone in their pocket, you're probably carrying something from this plant," Environment, Health and Safety Lead Matt Himic told commissioners. The Amarillo plant has been in operation since 1979.
Amarillo Firefighters Lend a Hand in South Texas
Several Amarillo firefighters recently headed to South Texas to help communities hit hard by flooding. Jason Love with the Amarillo Fire Department said helping other departments is part of a statewide partnership that works both ways. He noted that deployments like this also give Amarillo firefighters valuable experience responding to major disasters. Fire departments from across Texas returned that support by helping the Panhandle during last year's wildfires.
City Gives Sharpened Iron Studios More Time
The Amarillo City Council approved a revised agreement Tuesday giving Sharpened Iron Studios more time to meet the terms of its incentive deal with the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation. The company had fallen short of the original performance requirements tied to a $1 million incentive package. Under the new agreement, the performance period will begin in 2028, with progress reviews every six months. If the requirements still aren't met, Sharpened Iron will be required to repay the incentive funds with 8% interest. Councilmember Tim Reid said the revised deal gives the city a chance to recover taxpayer dollars while giving the company another opportunity to succeed.
Potter County Looks for Relief from Jail Overcrowding
Potter County leaders are once again trying to find a solution to the overcrowding at the county jail. Sheriff Brian Thomas asked commissioners Monday to approve a six-month agreement to house 50 inmates at a private jail in Haskell County at a cost of about $900,000. Thomas called the plan expensive but warned the county could face even bigger problems if the jail fails another inspection. Commissioners tabled the proposal and are expected to revisit the issue at a future meeting.
