San Marcos offering home incentives

SAN MARCOS (KXAN) - In an effort to cure the city's low-capita income, San Marcos is offering home loan incentives to employees of the new Seton hospital in Kyle. The $5,000 forgivable grant is part of a major effort to build the community and attract more businesses to the area.

San Marcos has set aside $50 thousand from the general fund to fund the home loan program, which is available to qualifying hospital employees who buy a house anywhere in the city.

"It builds our community," said San Marcos Mayor Susan Narvaiz. "It means more families living here who will contribute to nonprofits, volunteer and send their kids to our schools."

This incentive program is an extension of an idea Narvaiz first came up with to encourage more Texas State professors to live in the city. The program was so successful, Narvaiz said she plans to continue it and extend it not only to hospital employees as well, but even police officers.

"It benefits citizens here who want to sell their homes, realtors who assist in that process and the companies we are working with in order for them to attract more potential employees," said Narvaiz.

Seton hospitals said the new facility in Kyle has seen many more patients than originally expected and programs like this will help the hospital attract more nurses and doctors to the area.