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Gulfport council tables tax-abatement ordinance after heated debate over terms and city revenue
Summary
The Gulfport City Council debated a proposed citywide ad valorem tax abatement for capital projects of $10 million or more, heard competing amendment proposals (50–100% abatements for varying terms), and ultimately voted to table the ordinance for further study.
The Gulfport City Council on a unanimous voice vote tabled an ordinance that would allow the city to grant ad valorem tax abatements to capital projects valued at $10,000,000 or more, after an extended debate over how generous the exemption should be and how the city would protect its tax base.
Proponents, including Mayor Hugh D. Keating and administration staff, said the measure is a standard economic-development tool to attract large retail and commercial investments that otherwise would locate in neighboring jurisdictions. Mayor Keating told the council that developers have told city leaders they expect a predictable abatement policy and that a limited,…
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