12/22/1992 - Laserfiche WebLink

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BOOK 88 PAGE 361-1 Commissioner Macht pointed out that all of these things together should make Indian River County very attractive to prospective businesses coming into the area. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding various ways to provide tax abatement. Director Keating reported that St. Lucie County's program rewards businesses that employ people who were already living in the community for a year or longer. Commissioner Bird mentioned that he would prefer ten small businesses to one large business. Commissioner Macht suggested that environmentally -friendly businesses be given additional abatement and asked about specific situations regarding manufacturers located on rented property, businesses that receive abatement and then leave the County when the abatement period has expired, and whether this will be an abatement or deferral program. Director Keating explained that deferral would not require a referendum. Commissioner Adams felt that businesses who leave the community at the end of the abatement period should then be required to pay the taxes. Discussion ensued and Director Keating noted that this has been a cooperative effort among County departments. Staff has also been getting good feedback from the community. Chairman Eggert advised that a mail referendum would not cost as much as a regular county -wide election and that the Supervisor of Elections needs some advance notification about this. Commissioner Adams felt this is certainly a step in the right direction and shows that the County is responsive to concerns and needs of the community. . ON MOTION by Commissioner Macht, SECONDED by Commissioner Adams, the Board unanimously agreed to go forward with a referendum on tax abatement and directed staff to look at the most cost-effective way to do this and bring it back to the Board for final approval. 28