Staff to invoice companies that received tax/incentive benefits but did not remit payments, board told

Elkhart City staff told the Enterprise Association that several companies that received tax or incentive benefits have not remitted payments and that staff will issue invoices.

Drew, a staff member, said Recycling Works, Mason 605 Corporation and Lippert are among the firms identified as having received benefits but not made payments for 2024 and 2025. He said staff have coordinated with the auditor and the state association to confirm the companies received the tax advantages and that reminder letters have already been sent. According to the transcript, Lippert submitted an EZBR form but the association did not receive a check.

Board members asked about enforcement and were told the association has a local ordinance originally approved in 1999 that specifies a penalty amount discussed in the meeting transcript. The board discussed possible next steps if companies do not pay, including formal collections, placing liens or coordinating receivership or tax-lien processes through the auditor's office. Staff said they will update the board if invoices are not paid and will pursue collections options as appropriate.

The discussion included a note that one named company, Recycling Works, said it needed additional clarity about whether it received the deduction in a given year and wanted to discuss that detail before payment. Staff described both Lippert and the other companies as "receptive" to receiving invoices.

No formal motion to commence legal collections or place liens was recorded in the transcript; the meeting record shows discussion and direction to invoice and to report back on payment status.