From half pennies to millions: JEDCO’s impact on Jasper

Lequin Hilderbrand, Jasper City Council Member District 5 At-Large.

JASPER, Texas — Jasper City Council Member Lequin Hilderbrand (District 5 At-Large) says the numbers don’t lie: the Jasper Economic Development Corporation (JEDCO) is one of the best investments the city has. And contrary to what many believe, it isn’t funded by your property taxes. It’s powered by half pennies — a small portion of sales tax that multiplies into millions of dollars in return for Jasper.

Millions invested, thousands of percent in return

In the last five years, JEDCO has invested about $8.8 million into local businesses. That support has created roughly 340 jobs and delivered an estimated $285 million in economic impact — a staggering 3,100% return on investment.

Infographic created by East Texas Banner using publicly available JEDCO data.

Not property taxes — pennies

One of the biggest misconceptions Lequin says he hears is that JEDCO drains taxpayer dollars. The truth is the opposite.

• JEDCO’s funding comes from a half-cent sales tax, not property taxes.

• For the average Jasper resident, that works out to about $12.40 a year — around $1 a month.

• Most of JEDCO’s money doesn’t even come from locals. Roughly 84% of sales tax revenue comes from out-of-town shoppers, visitors, and even international travelers.

• Groceries and prescriptions aren’t taxed, so Jasper’s seniors and lower-income families aren’t impacted at all.

“As a citizen of Jasper, the benefits of JEDCO impact you directly, and the way JEDCO goes, so goes your quality of life,” Hilderbrand said.

Why this matters for every resident

Without new businesses, Jasper’s property tax base shrinks — and that gap eventually lands on homeowners and small businesses. Several downtown properties have recently been sold to tax-exempt organizations, removing them from the tax rolls. JEDCO helps fill those gaps by recruiting companies that bring new jobs, raise property values, and boost utility sales — which helps keep rates stable for everyone.

Among JEDCO-backed projects:

• Gated Rentals — already producing in Jasper and expanding its workforce.

• Son Asian Bistro — relocating in town with more employees and higher tax contributions.

• Wrightway Assisted Living — adding jobs and senior housing.

• Future prospects — including a restaurant, a relocated company, and two venue-style centers projected to create at least 62 new jobs.

A tool Jasper can’t afford to lose

For Hilderbrand, JEDCO isn’t about politics, names, or personalities. It’s about the math, the results, and protecting Jasper families from higher costs down the road.

“JEDCO is for all of us,” Hilderbrand said. “It’s not about who’s on the board today. It’s about creating jobs, keeping our taxes in check, and making sure Jasper is a place where families and businesses can thrive.”