2/20/13 - The Hartland Township Board has expressed a general consensus to consider a potential tax break for a new business weighing a move to the area. Township Manager James Wickman asked for feedback at this weekâs meeting about whether members would be willing to consider granting a personal property tax abatement between 8 and 10 years for a prospective business. Other than saying it was a well-established pump manufacturer, he didnât disclose the companyâs name as they are requesting confidentiality. Ann Arbor Spark, which contracts with Livingston County and various municipalities for economic development services, is scouting the business but also trying to develop a county-wide tax abatement policy. The company is proposing a $5 (m) million investment including a new building and equipment, which would retain 70 jobs, while creating 10 to 15 new positions. While they prefer the Hartland location, Wickman said the firm has other options as well. Board members generally agreed they could see the benefits of attracting new development to land that would otherwise sit vacant, but voiced concerns that giving a tax abatement would be unfair to other businesses already paying full taxes. Wickman noted that the township would retain the right to revoke or shorten the abatement if the company didnât live up to its end of the agreement. (JM/JK)
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