A public hearing to hear comments concerning a tax abatement request from Elkay Products was held last night during the Culver Town Council meeting.
Owner Brian Meek is planning a technology upgrade at the facility at a cost of approximately $3.9 million. More jobs will be created as a result of the upgrade in equipment. Meek said this project will help make the Culver Elkay plant the leading manufacturer of cabinets within the corporation. He said there is an Elkay facility in Minnesota where the company has made a similar investment.
The council previously deemed the property as an economic revitalization area and the next step is the approval of the tax abatement action. This proposal asks for the abatement of personal property over 10 years.
During the public hearing, Councilman Joel Samuelson asked about the time period of the abatement. Town Attorney Jim Clevenger explained that the council adopted a policy in 2014 where the 10 year component was agreed upon as a competitive allotment of time. It was noted that the policy was actually drawn up to assist Elkay in a previous tax abatement to allow for more investment and growth within the company.
A resident asked about other taxes paid and the company does pay real property taxes as well as other required obligations.
With little further discussion, the council approved the request. Meek said he hopes the project will begin this fall.
Elkay Products has been in the Culver community for 11 years.
