Floyd Batiste, executive director of the Port Arthur Economic Development Corporation, said he knows how much sales tax was coming in, he just didn’t know from where.

Until now.

The PAEDC Board of Directors approved entering into an agreement with ZacTax, a software company, that will provide analytical services for sales tax data at their regular meeting on Monday night.

“This will give us a true picture of what’s going on,” Batiste said. “It’s an excellent tool to know where the money is coming from. It’s an economic development tool. We’ll know where the strength is in our community and our strength in business.”

The service will cost $5,000 for a one-year agreement.

Kate Leverett, PAEDC attorney, said this service would show where people are shopping.

Director Dallas Smith asked how this will enhance the PAEDC.

Batiste said it would give a more precise picture of economic development.

“I can’t tell you now which businesses are doing well,” he said.

Director John Chirafis said since sales tax is the main source of funding for the PAEDC, too much information is not a bad thing.

In other PAEDC business, the board approved correcting the milestones of the economic incentive agreement with AJ Entertainment LLC, owner of Cajun Reel and distribution warehouse being built on Twin City Highway and Jimmy Johnson Boulevard.

Krystle Villarreal Muller, employment and training specialist, said the infrastructure agreement is to expire on Feb. 15, 2018 rather than on Sept. 15, as was erroneously stated.

AJ Entertainment must complete the infrastructure improvements and receive certificate of occupancy for each space within 12 months from the date the agreement is executed.

The PAEDC entered into a marketing agreement with KFDM/FOX4/Sinclair Digital for advertising in the California market to get their businesses to relocate to Port Arthur.

The board accepted consideration of a letter of intent from Parc Enterprise, Inc. for infrastructural improvements for a new shopping center at 6770 Ninth Ave.

The anchor store will be a pharmacy and two other facilities. The business is requesting $283,000 from the PAEDC for electrical and water infrastructure, exterior signage and parking lot construction.