Council Oks Tax Incentives for 3 Companies to Expand in County

Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Anderson County Council approved a series of tax incentives on Tuesday, two of which bring the promise of new jobs and the third a new investment to expand an existing company’s operations.

All three were presented using code names, as has been the practice in the county’s economic development work for some time. The first, Project Flat Rock, is the expansion of an existing county business, will bring a new investment of $28 million and 62 new jobs with an average pay of $39 per hour. The second, Project Next, is the expansion of what Anderson County Economic Director Burriss Nelson called a “premier industry” industry in the county. The project would bring a new investment of $150 million and 145 jobs with salaries of $27 per hour. This project would qualify for the four percent assessment, since it meets qualifications for a “Super Fee” structure. Such a deal requires an investment of $150 million or more or 125 jobs or more to qualify.

The third, another existing business in the county, with the code name Project Health, and involves AnMed, Investment will offer a $31 million new investment in their business and a guarantee that the upgrades will not bring any reduction in their 395 jobs.

These three, which allow companies to pay fees instead of taxes for a set number of years, were approved by unanimous vote of council on first reading and will require two more readings for official approval.

Council also approved a resolution transferring a tax incentive agreement from a father to son as ownership of the business changes hands within the family. The resolution approved the assignment by COI Anderson Phase 2-150, LLC, to, and assumption by, Big RGA VA MS Owner 1 LLC. The company owns facilities throughout the United States, and Councilman Jimmy Davis said their presence has been good for his district.

“They have brought jobs to Piedmont like we have not seen since the time of textile mills,” said Davis.