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County receives notice of Port Huron industrial tax-exemption hearing; commissioners treat as information only
Summary
The board moved an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption notice for Port Huron Industrial Ventures (the former Presto Light building) from the consent agenda to an information item and accepted it as a notice of the city's public hearing; county counsel said the city makes the determination under statute.
The St. Clair County Board of Commissioners removed an Industrial Facilities Tax Exemption notice for Port Huron Industrial Ventures (address given as 35100 24th Street, formerly the Presto Light building) from the consent agenda so commissioners could receive the notice as an information item and, if desired, attend the city's public hearing.
Commissioner David Rushing said he wanted specific details because the exemption could affect tax collections; he cited estimates he had obtained of the tax base and said he understood the proposed industrial facilities request could include a six-year tax freeze for increased value. County administration and corporation counsel advised the board that the notice is required under the Industrial Facilities Exemption statute and that the city conducts the hearing and makes the determination. The county's role is to receive notice and, if the board wishes, appear and comment at the city hearing.
"This is for a receive and file only," a county staff member told the board, citing counsel's advice. Corporation counsel's memo (read into the record) referenced the statutory notice requirement and explained the county has the right to be noticed and to attend the hearing to comment, but does not make the tax decision.
The board voted to accept the item as information only and to move it to the full agenda as item 14I. Commissioners urged staff to forward available planning-commission materials and the city's public-hearing schedule to any commissioners who wished to attend.
Why it matters: Industrial facilities tax exemptions can alter the tax treatment of a property for a period of years; commissioners wanted clarity about potential revenue effects and to ensure they would receive notice of the city hearing.
Next steps: Administration will circulate available documentation from the city and planning commission and commissioners may attend the Port Huron public hearing to present comments if they choose.
