Scout Crossing is a housing development HEDCO has supported for at least two years. The money is on HEDCO’s books. The agreement explaining it is not in the public record we can find.
This story is part of our review of every performance agreement the Henderson Economic Development Corporation has made. A performance agreement is a contract: HEDCO puts up sales tax money, land or work, and a business promises something in return, usually investment and jobs. We are not suggesting anyone did anything wrong. We are asking whether the public can see what was promised and whether anyone checks.
| The deal at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Recipient | Scout Crossing housing development |
| HEDCO action | Engineering scope of work for Stokes and Associates on the August 19, 2025 agenda |
| City Council approval | Not found |
| Paid | $99,000 in 2024-25; $44,320 in 2025-26 plus $2,500 for property maintenance |
| Budgeted for 2025-26 | $0, with the note “will need BUDGET Amendment 25-26” |
| Agreement text public? | No |
What the record shows
HEDCO’s financial reports show $99,000 budgeted and paid on line 6126, “Scout Crossing,” in 2024-25. For 2025-26 the line had no budget, yet $44,320 had been paid by March 31, 2026. The year-end report adds $2,500 for property maintenance at Scout Crossing, also unbudgeted.
On August 19, 2025 HEDCO’s board considered a scope of work for Stokes and Associates to do engineering for the project. HEDCO’s notice of 2025-26 projects lists the “Scout Crossing housing development” under the sections of state law for primary jobs.
What’s missing
What the public record leaves out
- Whether a performance agreement exists, who the developer is, and what they promised.
- Why HEDCO is paying for maintenance on the property.
- The total HEDCO has put into the project, including engineering.
- The budget amendment the report says is needed. State law makes the city responsible for HEDCO’s spending. The City Council must approve all of the corporation’s programs and expenditures (Local Government Code 501.073).
- How a housing development fits HEDCO’s primary-jobs authority.
Our ask
What would make this deal easy to check
- Publish any agreement and the full cost to date.
- Bring the budget amendment to the council.
Sources: HEDCO financial reports through March 31, 2026 and through August 31, 2026 (lines 6126 and 7312); HEDCO agenda for August 19, 2025; HEDCO notice of projects for fiscal year 2025-26.