Fort Bend County has added economic incentives as Tesla works to choose a final site for its new manufacturing facility.

The proposed $10.1 billion capital project, also referred to as Project Crystal Sun, could bring a solar cell manufacturing facility to a portion of a 3,057-acre site at FM 1994 and FM 762 within Lamar Consolidated ISD’s boundaries, Community Impact reported.

What you need to know: At an Oct. 22 meeting, Fort Bend County commissioners approved a series of economic incentives that would make the county a more favorable option than the company’s other considered option that has not been publicly revealed.

Fort Bend County commissioners previously approved a reinvestment zone near FM 762 and FM 1994 at an Aug. 24 meeting.

The approved incentives include:

• A tax abatement

• A grant agreement

• Participation in the foreign trade zone program

• A True Up PILOT agreement

Looking ahead: If the Fort Bend County site is selected, the facility would start operations in the first quarter of 2029, according to Lamar CISD’s website.

JETSET Pilates is slated to celebrate the grand opening of its new Missouri City location Oct. 24, officials announced in an Oct. 20 news release.

What they offer: The 2,400-square-foot studio will feature 14 reformers for guests to complete the brand's signature 50-minute classes combining strength, cardio and Pilates-inspired movement set to DJ-curated music, per the release. 

About the owner: The Missouri City location is owned by former Major League Baseball player Stone Garrett who grew up in Fort Bend County, per the release.

• 10040 Hwy. 6, Ste. 200, Missouri City

Fort Bend County Tax Assessor-Collector Carmen P. Turner was indicted Oct. 22 on federal charges following at least two years of investigation, Bobby Eberle, the director of communications for the county judge, said at an Oct. 22 county press conference.

What happened: Turner and two people in her office were arrested Oct. 22 for using county money to hire two employees to care for Turner’s mother, U.S. Attorney Aaron Reitz said at an Oct. 22 press conference. The trio was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, theft concerning federal money and wire fraud.

Reitz said he suspects Turner used tens or hundreds of thousands of county dollars, but the exact amount will become clearer as the case unfolds. However, Eberle said it is important to note that Turner has not been convicted and remains in charge of the office.

The background: Turner assumed her elected position in 2021, leading the Tax Assessor-Collector office, which collects property taxes. Her term is currently set to end in 2028.