By Sarah Stephens
Prattville Economic Development Director Amy Hilliard.
Elmore Autauga News
Editor’s Note: We have several articles concerning Tuesday night’s council meeting. You can watch the full video of the meeting here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ijjWNlXrUg
During Tuesday’s Prattville Council meeting, Economic Development Director Amy Hilliard addressed the council, highlighting two particular items on the evening’s agenda. Both proposals received unanimous approval from the council members.
“I wanted to bring up a couple of things with some opportunities on the agenda tonight. In economic development, we focus on retail, commercial and industrial recruitment through strategic growth and partnerships. So that is our focus for economic development certainly and into the future,” Hilliard stated.
She referenced agenda item 4, which pertained to welcoming a new manufacturing operation to the West Industrial Park. This project involves a $2 million investment in a facility and is expected to create approximately 10 jobs, including the city selling a parcel of property.
Subsequently, the Council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance facilitating the sale of the surplus property.
The second item discussed was item #6, known as Project Mountain.
“There has been a lot of information put out, so I wanted to make sure we are as transparent as possible on these particular projects. This is a competitive expansion project for an existing industry here in our community. Old World Industries has come to us and given us an opportunity,” Hilliard explained.
Old World Industries was considering expansion opportunities in other locations, including sites in Texas and Illinois. The company requested a 10-year tax abatement from the City of Prattville.
“When we talk about abatements, I want to be clear, that is not giving away money. Tax abatements are abating a tax before it comes in. So, basically, it will not be there for a short period of time as the company starts up. So, this 10-year abatement would allow a location of an additional property, $26.3 million in expansion, an additional 24 jobs which takes that one company on site to 51 jobs for our community. There is a secondary partner there called Graham Packaging. They are not requesting anything, but they would grow as well. So, I just wanted to give as much information as I possibly can and let you know these are two wonderful economic development opportunities in front of you tonight,” Hilliard elaborated.
When the council proceeded to vote on these two matters, both measures were passed unanimously.
