Commissioners approve 80% tax abatement for MasTec Industries after public hearing

Ravalli County commissioners on April 16 adopted Resolution 4,706, granting MasTec Industries an 80% tax abatement for 2024 following a public hearing and a presentation by a company representative.

The company representative described product lines and recent growth, told the commissioners the business shipped initial commercial product to a distributor, and said employees had grown from about four last year to roughly 15 now, with plans to expand to about 20–25 by year-end. The representative demonstrated and explained a weapon‑mounted laser rangefinder and a fire‑control system that pairs with scopes and a phone app, and said the firm is awaiting Federal Communications Commission approval for some products and plans to use Magpul for commercial distribution.

County staff confirmed the legal public‑notice requirements for the hearing were met. The representative said MasTec had submitted an equipment list showing eight pieces of equipment totaling $121,001.45 and explained an ultrasonic welder used on a plastic housing that makes assemblies hermetically sealed. The company said early shipments to a distributor began the prior Monday and discussed a collaboration shown at a trade show that would embed electronics in a magazine to report remaining rounds to the fire‑control display.

Commissioner [name not specified in transcript] moved to approve Resolution 4,706 granting tax benefits at 80%; the motion was seconded and carried. Commissioners recorded votes in favor; the minutes show a unanimous vote with Commissioners Chilcott and Burrows and the chair voting “aye.” The resolution number and the 80% benefit rate were announced in the motion and adopted by the board.

The representative also said the company had incurred building expenses the prior year, had tripled employees since the previous appearance before commissioners, and described continuing product development with possible foundation work for a second or third building later in the year. He said commercial sales will go through Magpul while military sales may be direct, and that initial shipments had gone to a distributor.

The board offered no substantive public opposition during the hearing and closed the matter after the vote. The materials related to the application and adopted resolution were entered into the meeting record.