Committee approves special tax assessment agreement to support AM Lithography expansion

The Land Use/Development Committee unanimously recommended that the full City Council approve a certified project application and Special Tax Assessment (STA) agreement with AM Lithography Corporation to support the company’s acquisition and expansion of properties on Appleton Street.

City staff and the order sponsor described the STA as a retention and expansion incentive that mirrors a schedule previously used in a prior AM Lithography agreement. Staff said the STA structure will allow an initial year with a reduced or zero tax assessment (an STA can allow a first year with no taxes) followed by a ramp-up of tax payments over a defined schedule, enabling the company to invest in building improvements and equipment without immediate full property tax burden. The company, represented at the hearing, said the expansion will consolidate operations currently in two facilities and will increase local manufacturing capacity; company officials invited councilors to tour the facility.

Committee members praised the project as a local investment; Councilor Sullivan said AM Lithography could have expanded elsewhere. The committee approved the recommendation and asked that the resolution and all supporting materials be included in the full council packet.