Public hearing held for Ordinance 25-15; Swedish company representative outlines $13.5 million investment and 170 jobs
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Summary
Council heard a presentation and public hearing on Ordinance 25-15 (Project Columbus/WIGEO Pouches North America); no public opposition signed up and the item will return for further council consideration Oct. 28.
LEXINGTON COUNTY — At a public hearing Oct. 14, Lexington County Council received a presentation on Ordinance 25-15, a proposed fee-in-lieu and special source revenue-credit arrangement covering a planned facility by WIGEO Pouches North America (formerly Project Columbus).
County staff described the project as a $13.5 million capital investment in Lexington County with 170 new manufacturing jobs tied to the proposed facility. A company representative and counsel attended the hearing and no members of the public signed up to oppose the ordinance; one proponent who had signed up did not request additional remarks during the public comment portion.
Garrett (county staff) and Mr. Dono (county presenter) explained the ordinance would authorize execution and delivery of a fee agreement and special source revenue credits and would add the subject property to a multi-county industrial and business park, consistent with state statutes cited by staff. Bernie Maybach, identified as counsel for the company, thanked the council and described a positive working relationship with county staff and the council; he offered to answer questions. Council members indicated they had been briefed and staff said the item will return at the Oct. 28 meeting for further council action.
Public hearing details The chair announced public-hearing procedures (three-minute limit per speaker, with a two-minute warning beep). No speakers registered to oppose Ordinance 25-15; Mr. Maybach and a county staff representative were present in favor. The public-hearing portion was closed with no public opposition recorded.
Why it matters If approved in subsequent readings and with required agreements executed, the fee-in-lieu and revenue-credit arrangements would be tools the county uses to accommodate a large capital investment and to support job creation. Council did not take final action at the Oct. 14 hearing; staff expects to return the item for additional consideration on Oct. 28.
Next steps Ordinance 25-15 will return for council consideration on Oct. 28. Staff noted the presentation and the public hearing record will be part of the packet for that meeting.