Fillmore Town Council approves Liberty Industries tax abatement

A new 8,000-square-foot R&D facility was recently constructed at Liberty Industries in Fillmore.

Banner Graphic/Brand Selvia

FILLMORE -- Keeping its proceedings to about 10 minutes, the Fillmore Town Council approved a 10-year tax abatement for Liberty Industries Thursday evening.

Kristin Clary, executive director of the Greencastle/Putnam County Development Center, walked the council through a succession of procedures required before the abatement was settled.

Last month, the council approved to designate Liberty Industries as an economic redevelopment area (ERA). However, the company had already proceeded with redevelopment projects, including a new 8,000-square-foot research-and-development facility.

Under Rule 4 of the Indiana Administrative Code, it is provided that such projects cannot move forward prior to a business being designated as an ERA.

The council was required to hold a session for public comments on the ERA approval, as well as a public hearing to allow for opposition to the tax abatement. Without an audience, both sessions were quickly opened and closed.

The council finally approved a resolution to grant the tax abatement.

Liberty Industries’ president Mike Teso stated that the construction of the R&D facility had been complete, and that electrical and lights were currently being installed.

Town Attorney Jeff Boggess, Town Marshal Darrel Bunten and Town Maintenance Director Joe Cash were not present at Thursday’s meeting.

The next regular meeting of the Fillmore Town Council is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. in the Fillmore Town Hall.