ROCKWALL
BY THE NUMBERS

In Rockwall, certain types of inventory that is manufactured within the community, but transported out of the state within 175 days, is exempt from property tax from all local taxing jurisdictions. More information is available from the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.

In Texas, machinery, equipment, parts and accessories that are used or consumed in manufacturing, processing, fabricating, or repairing property for sale are exempt from state and local sales and use tax. More information is available in the Texas Comptroller's Manufacturing Exemptions guide.

Texas companies are exempt from paying state and local sales and use tax on electricity and natural gas used in manufacturing, processing, or fabricating tangible personal property. The company must complete a “predominant use study” that shows 50% of the electricity or natural gas consumed consumed by the business directly causes a physical change to the product.

Texas differs from most states in that economic development and incentive negotiations are primarily handled at the local level. While there are some aggressive incentives offered by the Governor’s Office, for most projects, the largest share of incentives originate locally. In Rockwall, these incentives are offered by the REDC. Incentive offers are subject to the discretion of the REDC Board, and will be considered based on economic factors such as investment planned and high-quality jobs created. Per state law, all companies agreeing to an incentive must enter into a performance agreement with the REDC.

Companies are encouraged to discuss potential projects with REDC staff before applying.

The REDC can offer direct funding to defray costs associated with relocation, expansion, and operation. Funding may be earmarked for impact or permit fees, or used for infrastructure, land acquisition, infrastructure development, utilities, and tax liabilities, among other costs.

REDC-owned land can be sold at prices well below market rates. The REDC currently has land available within the Rockwall Technology Park, in an industrial corridor on Justin Road, and has lakeside office sites near The Harbor along Lake Ray Hubbard.

It should be noted that a qualified project desiring property outside of REDC-owned land will receive the same incentive value of an identical project desiring development on REDC-owned property. The REDC strives to provide no “added” financial benefit for a company choosing REDC property over a viable private property in Rockwall.

The Texas Workforce Commission – facilitated through the local Workforce Solutions of North Central Texas – provides funding for customized training designed to help existing and new workers stay up-to-date in the skills required for their profession, and to keep businesses competitive.

Both the Skills Development Fund and Skills for Small Business Program are offered in collaboration with a local college as the administrator of the training and the recipient of the funds. Funding allocation is typically $1,800 – $2,000 for each trained employee through the two programs.

More information on eligibility and requirements is available from the Texas Workforce Commission: Skills Development Fund and Skills for Small Business Program.

Since 2021, the REDC has offered a Workforce Recruitment Grant to help Rockwall existing primary employers with their workforce recruitment needs. For qualified grant recipients, the program provides up to half of the costs for marketing and recruitment expenditures aimed at filling hard-to-recruit positions. Grants are limited to $5,000 to existing primary employers within the corporate limits of the City of Rockwall.

Job fairs are also an expense covered by the grant program. The REDC encourages primary employers to host on-site job fairs, giving job seekers the opportunity to experience the employer’s campus, company culture, and working conditions, as well as have a better understanding of the commute. Qualified job fair expenditures may be covered at 100% by the REDC, up to $5,000.

In 2024, the REDC made some necessary changes to improve the program. Now called the Workforce Recruitment / Retention Grant Program, the improved program allows for expenses related to workforce retention efforts as well. Expenses such as providing lunches for employees, offsetting daycare or gym membership fees, etc. to improve employee morale can now be considered. The REDC will provide half the costs for these expenditures up to $5,000 for qualified expenses.