San Marcos set to consider economic incentives for new Buc-ee's location

SAN MARCOS, Texas (Talk1370.com) -- San Marcos could be the next location for one of Buc-ee's Texas-sized family travel centers.

Members of the San Marcos City Council are set to consider a Chapter 380 development agreement to build an approximately 74,000 square foot location, located on a roughly 22-acre site fronting southbound Interstate 35 just south of Yarrington Road.

The proposed site would feature 120 fueling positions along with electric vehicle charging stations, with a reported capital investment of $50 million.

According to plans, the location would create 200 to 225 full-time jobs, with a typical starting wage of $18/hour with benefits. The agreement would call for the store to create a minimum of 175 jobs, though company officials are estimating 225-250 jobs will be created. In return, Buc-ee's will receive a 50% sales tax rebate over 15 years - an estimated $3.2 million from the city and $1 million from Hays County.

The Hays County Commissioners Court will also need to consider and approve the proposal; their next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 27.

The agreement would not rebate any property taxes, giving the city $5.9 million in added tax revenue over 15 years. Hays County would collect an additional $2.8 million, and Hays CISD would gain an additional $11.4 million.

Buc-ee's, which got its start in southeast Texas in 1982, has been on an expansion spree across much of the country in recent years. The company is currently rebuilding its flagship location in Luling, where its first large-scale travel center opened in 2003. The new Luling location, which is set to open later this year, will total more than 75,000 square feet, making it the largest convenience store in the country.

If approved, construction on the San Marcos location would begin no later than March 31, 2025, and complete construction within 18 months.