Laserfiche WebLink
Council Member Travis stated he did not like the wording of the letter from <br /> Northern Forest Products and found it almost intimidating if the City chooses not - t ° <br /> grant the five (5) year abatement. He questioned the ramifications if the business <br /> chose to leave. Mr. Inman explained that the tax value is based on the fair market <br /> value of the building and property so the taxes would remain the same if the <br /> business were to leave town. <br /> Council Member Travis indicated he would vote in favor of keeping Northern <br /> Forest Products in Centerville providing the first notes were paid in full. <br /> Mayor Wilharber stated the letter is a situation of the business owner "playing <br /> poker" to raise the stakes. He then stated he believes it is apparent that Northern <br /> Forest Products came to town and created a nice, well -kept business. He stated he <br /> is in favor of the five (5) year tax abatement as an incentive to expand in <br /> Centerville. <br /> Council Member Broussard Vickers questioned if the last paragraph of the letter, <br /> which indicated a need to come to an agreement meant that there was no <br /> agreement, Mr. March said it feels as though the City is being held hostage. He <br /> also stated that most industrial manufacturers ask what the City will offer them to <br /> locate within their community. <br /> Mayor Wilharber indicated he has had contact with the business owner and said <br /> he does have other offers that he is entertaining and stressed the importance of <br /> keeping the business in the community. Mr. March indicated it is easier to keep <br /> businesses in the community rather than having to attract new businesses. <br /> Council Member Broussard Vickers suggested having a public hearing on the five <br /> (5) year abatement. <br /> Motion by Council Member Broussard Vickers, seconded by Council <br /> Member Travis to set a public hearing on the five (5) year tax abatement. Ail <br /> in favor. Motion carried unanimously. <br /> Council Member Sweeney indicated a desire to have any conditions or <br /> contingencies that the City may request be arranged prior to the public hearing. <br /> Council Member Broussard Vickers said she desired establishing a public hearing <br /> date to avoid delay. <br /> Mr. March asked Mr. Inman if publication of the public hearing notice for a five <br /> (5) year tax abatement was appropriate. Mr. Inman concurred. He would accept <br /> the one (1) year deal with a possibility of working toward five (5) year agreement. <br /> He also indicated they would draft a proposed development agreement and <br /> forward it to the City for approval. <br /> Page 4 of 22 <br />