NEDERLAND — It’s the worst kept secret in town — Nederland is getting a Whataburger.

Rumors of the Texas-based fast food chain getting a franchise in the city have been swirling for close to a year and on Monday during the 4:30 p.m. city council meeting, city leaders will give the green light to an incentive to bring the eatery here.

The second reading of a resolution ratifying Nederland Economic Development Corporation’s incentive of $150,000 to Columbine Properties LLC., doing business as Whataburger, will signal the final step in the process.

City manager Chris Duque called the addition of the eatery a good move for the community in that it is a business that is appealing not only to Nederland residents and citizens but one that will attract other people to the city and the business.

Kay DeCuir, executive director of the NEDC, said research was done before the incentive offer was made. The NEDC utilizes Impact DataSource, an Austin-based company, for the research and fiscal impact analysis.

“We don’t make the decisions here,” DeCuir said of the incentive that is ultimately paid back through sales tax. “Every quarter when they pay sales tax to the state they give us a copy of the paperwork and we monitor it. Once the amount is met, the account is closed and they are done.”

DeCuir said the incentive will be paid in two-and-a-half years.

In addition to the sales tax issue, there is also the issue of job creation.

The Whataburger will be located on Nederland Avenue adjacent to Burger King.

DeCuir said the eatery should be completed and open by the summer.

In other business, the council will consider approving the preliminary plan of “the Landing” subdivision. The word “subdivision” in this context does not mean an addition filled with homes but the laying out of the roads, infrastructure and easements associated with the 4.83 acres of land near the Jack Brooks Regional Airport.