A proposed micro-loan program for local businesses, infrastructure updates and a new approach to marketing Crandall to potential developers will be among the major items before the Crandall Economic Development Corporation when its board meets Monday, Aug. 17.
The CEDC regular board meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Crandall EDC Conference Room, 116 S. Main St.
Micro-Loan Program Proposed
One of the most notable agenda items calls for the board to consider creating a Crandall Micro-Loan Program.
According to the agenda, the program would provide a direct funding source for qualifying small businesses in Crandall. The agenda does not specify proposed loan amounts, interest rates, eligibility requirements or other program guidelines.
CEDC Website Could Target Site Selectors
Board members will also consider engaging Golden Shovel to update the CEDC website and place greater emphasis on reaching site selectors.
Site selectors assist companies in evaluating communities and potential locations for business facilities, making economic-development websites an important tool for presenting available properties, infrastructure, workforce information and other community data.
The agenda does not provide the proposed cost or scope of the website work.
FM 741 and Infrastructure Projects
The city manager’s report includes several updates involving Crandall infrastructure and development.
According to the report, city staff met with the Texas Department of Transportation, which confirmed that the FM 741 roadway expansion project is fully funded. The city is coordinating with QT, the senior apartment project and Walmart to finalize funding for turn-lane improvements and a traffic signal connected with the corridor.
The report states that the city is on track to finalize a debt issuance Aug. 17 that will provide funding for the North Lift Station and Force Main, drainage improvements and sewer-line replacements.
Crandall has also engaged an engineering firm to begin GIS mapping using drone technology. The ongoing effort is intended to improve information about the city’s water and wastewater infrastructure, identify priority drainage improvements and assess roadway conditions.
Another city manager update states that Crandall has renewed its Fire Protection Services Agreement with Kaufman County Emergency Services District No. 7 for fiscal year 2027.
Administrative and Financial Business
The CEDC will consider its July 2026 financial report and an administrative agreement with the City of Crandall.
Board members will also consider changing the date and time of the corporation’s monthly meetings.
The consent agenda includes approval of minutes from the CEDC’s July 14 and July 20 meetings.
Economic Development Projects
The board is scheduled to enter closed session for several matters involving economic development negotiations, including Project Grand Slam, Project Petroff, Project Harvey and Project Star, along with an annexation policy update.
A separate closed-session item concerns applications for a vacant position on the CEDC Board of Directors.
