According to County Judge Kevin White, Steck Aviation has withdrawn its application for a tax abatement process to build a jet mechanic center in Wood County. The center was to be built next to the newly-expanded Wood County Airport.

Wood County Economic Development Commission Executive Director Christine Thomas says that the withdrawal was due to a more competitive bid from another county. However, said Thomas, Wood County will continue to be “aggressive” in its pursual of other projects.

“The biggest hurdle is going to be catching that first big fish; then the others will follow,” said Thomas.

At their Jan. 6 meeting, the Wood County Commissioners also approved a plat for a new subdivision located on Hwy. 154 outside Quitman; a resolution supporting legislation to exempt Texas counties from paying state Hotel Occupancy Tax on county-related hotel stays; a resolution authorizing the submission of an application for a criminal justice project grant in 2027; and a resolution to obtain a letter of credit for the purchasing of road oil.

The commissioners also approved proposed amendments to the Wood County Tax Abatement Guidelines & Criteria. The amendments approve commissioners to have discretion over whether to enter into a tax abatement agreement and, if so, for what percentage/time allowance.