Tax Abatement Request Withdrawn At Syracuse
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By John DeGroff-
At the July Syracuse Town Council meeting, the council passed a resolution creating an economic revitalization area at the request of Al Tehan, owner of Technical Services, represented by attorney Steve Snyder.[[In-content Ad]]This was passed as a declaratory resolution at a public hearing, and allows for a tax abatement for the business.
Tuesday, the council was to confirm the declaratory resolution with approval of a confirming resolution. But at the request of Technical Services, the resolution was withdrawn. Neither Tehan or Snyder attended the meeting.
There was some brief discussion about the possibility of moving forward on the issue regardless. Syracuse city code does allow for up to a 10-year abatement on real property, and a five-year abatement on personal property.
At issue was some of the infrastructure work needed for any new buildings on the property and who would cover that cost. The council said what they offered as far as tax abatement was the maximum allowed under law. The issue was tabled.
The ongoing issue of the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission also was discussed. Members of the commission have yet to be named. Under its charter, the commission's chief executive is responsible for appointing three members. The council appoints the other two. The council decided they will advertise for interested applicants. Those interested must be at least 18 years of age and live within Syracuse city limits.
As part of the town's redevelopment commission, the council passed a resolution authorizing the use of county economic development income tax and describing a capital improvement plan.
The resolution allows for the construction of an industrial park, including utilities, water, sewer and other infrastructure at a total estimated cost of $1.5 million. The development will likely take more than three years.
In regard to the industrial park, town manager Henry DeJulia said that starting to develop even a couple of smaller lots on the site would act as an excellent marketing tool for perspective clients.
Clearing trees and having water and sewer utilities in place by spring is work that is needed, it was agreed, but the project will be discussed further.
DeJulia told the council that Syracuse has been turned down by the Indiana Department of Transportation for a grant for the Main Street project. The rejection, according to DeJulia, was because the grant is meant for the specific purpose of work on the actual road, and not work on water infrastructure underneath. A total of $25 million was awarded for 22 projects throughout the state. Syracuse can reapply in a year's time.
Clint Houseworth, utilities superintendent for Syracuse, will be moving to South Bend after seven years of service. He will be replaced by Jeremy Sponseller. The utilities department also announced Greg Brooker will be retiring after 18 years of service, as well as Butch Robinson after 27 years of service.
In other business, the council:
n Approved the expenditure of $22,560 for replacement of a clarification isolation valve at the water treatment plant; and $8,869 to replace an ATC switch.
n Approved payment of claims for August totaling $794,703.
n Received a grant of $5,200 from the Department of Homeland Security. These funds will be used to help pay for work on the levy breach.
n Approved $4,550 for Days Electric for electric work on the new decorative lights.
n The Day Of Caring, to be held Aug. 27, will be coordinated locally by the Syracuse Police Department. Officers who are not on duty, along with several volunteers, will be assisting area residents with repairs and other projects. Work starts at 8:30 a.m., and is scheduled to last until 5 p.m. This community project is countywide.
n Water and sewer bills now can be paid through an automatic pay system. Residents interested in this option can sign up at the clerk's office.
n New garbage stickers are available.
Syracuse Town Council members are Brian Woody, Bill Musser, Cassie Cowan, Larry Siegel and Paul Stoelting.
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At the July Syracuse Town Council meeting, the council passed a resolution creating an economic revitalization area at the request of Al Tehan, owner of Technical Services, represented by attorney Steve Snyder.[[In-content Ad]]This was passed as a declaratory resolution at a public hearing, and allows for a tax abatement for the business.
Tuesday, the council was to confirm the declaratory resolution with approval of a confirming resolution. But at the request of Technical Services, the resolution was withdrawn. Neither Tehan or Snyder attended the meeting.
There was some brief discussion about the possibility of moving forward on the issue regardless. Syracuse city code does allow for up to a 10-year abatement on real property, and a five-year abatement on personal property.
At issue was some of the infrastructure work needed for any new buildings on the property and who would cover that cost. The council said what they offered as far as tax abatement was the maximum allowed under law. The issue was tabled.
The ongoing issue of the Syracuse Redevelopment Commission also was discussed. Members of the commission have yet to be named. Under its charter, the commission's chief executive is responsible for appointing three members. The council appoints the other two. The council decided they will advertise for interested applicants. Those interested must be at least 18 years of age and live within Syracuse city limits.
As part of the town's redevelopment commission, the council passed a resolution authorizing the use of county economic development income tax and describing a capital improvement plan.
The resolution allows for the construction of an industrial park, including utilities, water, sewer and other infrastructure at a total estimated cost of $1.5 million. The development will likely take more than three years.
In regard to the industrial park, town manager Henry DeJulia said that starting to develop even a couple of smaller lots on the site would act as an excellent marketing tool for perspective clients.
Clearing trees and having water and sewer utilities in place by spring is work that is needed, it was agreed, but the project will be discussed further.
DeJulia told the council that Syracuse has been turned down by the Indiana Department of Transportation for a grant for the Main Street project. The rejection, according to DeJulia, was because the grant is meant for the specific purpose of work on the actual road, and not work on water infrastructure underneath. A total of $25 million was awarded for 22 projects throughout the state. Syracuse can reapply in a year's time.
Clint Houseworth, utilities superintendent for Syracuse, will be moving to South Bend after seven years of service. He will be replaced by Jeremy Sponseller. The utilities department also announced Greg Brooker will be retiring after 18 years of service, as well as Butch Robinson after 27 years of service.
In other business, the council:
n Approved the expenditure of $22,560 for replacement of a clarification isolation valve at the water treatment plant; and $8,869 to replace an ATC switch.
n Approved payment of claims for August totaling $794,703.
n Received a grant of $5,200 from the Department of Homeland Security. These funds will be used to help pay for work on the levy breach.
n Approved $4,550 for Days Electric for electric work on the new decorative lights.
n The Day Of Caring, to be held Aug. 27, will be coordinated locally by the Syracuse Police Department. Officers who are not on duty, along with several volunteers, will be assisting area residents with repairs and other projects. Work starts at 8:30 a.m., and is scheduled to last until 5 p.m. This community project is countywide.
n Water and sewer bills now can be paid through an automatic pay system. Residents interested in this option can sign up at the clerk's office.
n New garbage stickers are available.
Syracuse Town Council members are Brian Woody, Bill Musser, Cassie Cowan, Larry Siegel and Paul Stoelting.
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