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Board adopts 15% enterprise‑zone school support fee after brief debate
Summary
The board voted to adopt Resolution R2024‑023 establishing a 15% school support fee rate for businesses using the enterprise‑zone fourth and fifth year tax exemption; staff said the fee shifts a portion of state funding responsibilities to participating businesses and Corvallis Public Schools requested the minimum rate.
Benton County commissioners on Sept. 17 voted to adopt Resolution R2024‑023, establishing a 15% school support fee rate tied to the enterprise‑zone tax exemption program.
Christopher Jacobs, appearing in his economic development role, explained how the fee works: businesses receiving an enterprise‑zone property tax exemption for their fourth and fifth years may be billed directly by school districts for a percentage of the exemption value. Local guidance from OETA and the League of Oregon Cities indicates that local revenue from the fee will generally be incorporated into state funding formulas and may offset other state distributions to districts.
Jacobs said diluting the enterprise‑zone benefit could harm businesses that rely on the incentive and that economic development staff do not advocate the policy, but noted the alternative would be for businesses not to receive years four and five of the exemption. Commissioner Pat Malone moved adoption and the board approved the resolution by voice vote.
The resolution conforms with actions taken earlier by the city council and the school district; staff said the school will invoice businesses directly and manage collections. No further county action was requested beyond the resolution vote.
