Buc-ee's heads to Hays County

Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect the correct San Marcos City Council vote numbers.

HAYS COUNTY  —  They say everything is bigger in Texas. Such is the case with the wildly popular Texas based travel center, Buc-ee’s. Known for its familiar mascot Buc-ee the Beaver, clean restrooms and reasonably priced gas, the iconic business is on its way to a location in San Marcos.

In a final reading on Tuesday, March 5, the San Marcos City Council, in a 5-1 vote, approved a Chapter 380 Economic Development Incentive Agreement to provide incentives for the construction of a new Buc-ee’s to be located on southbound IH-35, just off Yarrington Road. Council member Alyssa Garza was the dissenting vote, while Council member Saul Gonzales was absent.

The city expects to collect $5.9 million in property taxes over the 15 years, and projects Hays County will receive $2.8 million, while Hays CISD will receive $11.4 million. The city is projected to collect $3.2 million in net sales taxes.

“We’re excited to welcome Buc-ee’s to San Marcos,” said San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson. “The company’s travel centers provide a great option for both residents and visitors to stop for everything from fuel to snacks and will generate welcome sales and property tax revenue. They will be a good corporate partner in our city."

Under the agreement, the city will rebate 50% of the sales taxes generated at the site to the company for 15 years. The agreement requires Buc-ee’s to maintain a minimum of 175 full time jobs at the San Marcos location and incorporate sustainable building practices into the project, including high efficiency lighting, water conservation and oil/water separators. The incentive structure is designed to be performance based, with sales tax rebates reflecting the store’s commercial activity.

“Buc-ee’s is excited about our partnership with the city of San Marcos and Hays County,” said Stan Beard, director of real estate and development for Buc-ee’s. “We still have some work to do before closing on the property, but the city’s show of support is certainly a huge step in the right direction.”

The 175 full-time jobs will include benefits and add more than $7 million in payroll annually to the local economy. Buc-ee’s will also contribute $100,000 to a city community fund.

“Throughout the process, the Buc-ee’s team has shown that they share the city of San Marcos’ values and commitment to sustainability,” said city of San Marcos Economic & Business Development Manager Christian Smith. “We appreciate their willingness to reflect those values in the project, including the addition of their first-ever rainwater harvesting system. We believe this agreement secures a mutually beneficial project that the community can be proud of.”

Buc-ee’s filed an application to begin the incentive process with the Greater San Marcos Partnership in October 2023. The location will include:

• The construction of a $50 million, 74,000-square-foot facility with a projected 120 fueling stations and capacity for electric vehicle charging on the 22-acre site.

• A rainwater reclamation system, and the use of oil/water separators to handle storm water runoff.

• Integrated timed/light-sensing controls. All exterior light fixtures will be fully shielded, full cut-off, 100 percent downward directional and mounted as low as practical.

• Typical starting wage of $18 per hour with benefits including-employer sponsored health insurance starting after 60 days and a 401k with a 100% match up to six percent.

The Hays County Commissioners Court will consider a similar incentive agreement with the company on March 12.

Founded in 1982 and based in Lake Jackson, Buc-ee’s operates more than 45 travel centers, with 37 locations in Texas.