Economic development board recommends 3‑year rebate and city lift‑station match for Cornerstone project

The Columbia County Economic Development Advisory Board unanimously recommended a three‑year tax‑rebate package for the Cornerstone commercial development and urged the county commission to match the City of Lake City’s contribution for a lift station the developer says is needed to move the project forward.

Why it matters: county staff and development advisers said the project’s success depends on access to sewer utilities. The lift station the city would own is intended to provide sewer capacity to the development and nearby parcels; advisory board members and staff described matching the city contribution as a way to accelerate utilities and make the site competitive for employers and retailers.

What was recommended
- The advisory board scored the project under its standard criteria (capital investment, jobs and wages) and said the project qualified for up to an eight‑year rebate under the scoring rubric; the applicant requested a three‑year rebate and the advisory board recommended the shorter term.
- The board recommended county matching of the city’s contribution for a City‑owned lift station. The City contribution figure mentioned in the meeting was $377,000 for the lift station component.

Public discussion and clarifications
Speakers emphasized that the lift station will be city‑owned and that any tax rebate is a rebate of new tax revenue created by the development rather than a direct cash grant from the county. Staff explained that rebates are calculated after the property appraiser captures improved values: the county pays rebates only on the incremental taxes actually received and distributed. Several speakers cautioned that the developer must still secure tenants and financing; county staff and the economic development adviser said the incentive is intended to accelerate private development and related jobs.

Decision status and next steps
The advisory board’s recommendation is advisory only; commissioners indicated the plan will return to the full board for formal action and a written incentive agreement and rebate mechanics before any payment or city‑match occurs.

Context
County staff referenced Florida Statute 125.045 as authorizing counties to offer economic development incentives. Commissioners and staff said the county has used similar utility‑partnering approaches before to attract industrial and commercial projects.