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Home > Blogs > Butler County News and Issues > Archives > 2008 > August > 14 > Entry
GE tax abatement approved
HAMILTON — The final step in a tax incentive program that could bring GE Aviations to West Chester Twp. — and with it nearly 1,400 jobs — was cleared after county commissioners gave their stamp of approval.
As expected, Butler County commissioners Thursday, Aug. 14, approved the 100 percent, 15-year property tax abatement for GE Aviation.
Although GE isn’t expected to make its final decision until today, Aug. 15, the company has selected the site of the former Queen City Sports Complex, 9267 Cincinnati-Dayton Road, for a two-building, 400,000-square-foot facility, which could house 1,400 employees with average annual salaries of $100,000.
To encourage the move, the township offered GE a tax abatement — roughly equivalent to $200,000 a year — for the length of its lease, expected to range from 10 to 15 years, according to officials.
The $13.2 billion company would bring $140 million a year in payroll to the area, said Brian Coughlin, the county’s economic development director.
GE Aviation spokesman Rick Kennedy has said communities in Hamilton County have also offered incentives to keep the facility there. But he added that the company is leaning toward the West Chester Twp. site.
Another important part of the deal is the creation of a joint economic development district, a partnership with nearby communities that allows townships to generate income tax. The partnership joins townships with municipalities, who collect the income tax. Typically, another municipality acts as the accountant on the deal.
Commissioner Gregory Jolivette said he hopes West Chester Twp. officials “would give added weight to communities in Butler County” when they make their decision on a partner. West Chester could go with another city outside the county to administer the JEDD.
“We’re eager to work with a community in Butler County, but in order to maximize the benefit for residents of West Chester, we’re going to look at all possible partners,” said township Administrator Judy Boyko.
West Chester officials said a decision about the JEDD — which wouldn’t hinder a decision by GE to locate there — isn’t expected until later this month.
Question: Do you think this is a good deal?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Post your comment | Categories: Butler County
Comments
By Butler Watchdog
August 14, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Its time to throw all RINO commissioners and township trustees out of office. This is a BAD deal for West Chester. Just look how Mason has increased taxes because of all the business tax abatements. It’s time to vote NO on all future local tax levies until they get the message. I can’t wait to see how much money will be sucked off on the proposed JEDD, and who will benefit. That’s where the political payoff will be hidden.
By No More Taxes!
August 14, 2008 3:27 PM | Link to this
Another taxfree business for us individual tax payers to support for our Schools, roads and EMS. When will it stop? I agree with Watchdog. Start voting “NO” for all levies until our county & township politicians wake up and treat the residents with respect instead of the mules they think we are.