Alma council approves industrial facilities tax exemption for Avalon and Tahoe expansion

The Alma City Council voted to adopt a resolution authorizing an industrial facilities tax exemption certificate for Avalon and Tahoe Manufacturing Inc.'s Building B expansion, council meeting minutes show.

Casey Zayner of Greater Bratchet presented the company's application at a public hearing, describing Avalon and Tahoe as "a great industrial citizen in the city of Alma." Zayner said the company currently occupies about 477,000 square feet in the county and is seeking an exemption tied to a proposed 38,400-square-foot production expansion intended to improve efficiency and reduce reliance on outside suppliers.

The company told the council the project would retain 100 existing jobs and create about 10 new positions. Officials said the total real-property amount covered by the industrial facilities exemption request is $1,288,000. If the council’s resolution is approved locally, the application will move to the state tax commission for final approval.

Frank Nershell, identified as a retired project manager at Avalon Tahoe, spoke at the hearing and said, "We're excited about this new expansion," and described changes to the production flow that he said will increase throughput. Nershell also described added employee facilities including additional restrooms and a lunch room.

Council members held the hearing, heard no public opposition, and approved the resolution by voice vote. The motion carried and the council congratulated the company on the expansion.

The local approval authorizes the city to submit the industrial facilities exemption application, but the exemption itself requires final approval by the state tax commission before any tax benefit takes effect.