Rhea County Commission backs 10-year tax agreement to support Laserwood Manufacturing distribution facility in Dayton

The Rhea County Commission voted to support terms of an agreement between the City of Dayton Industrial Development Board and Laserwood Manufacturing that would provide a 10-year, real-property tax abatement tied to construction of an approximately 330,000-square-foot distribution facility in Dayton.

Chair presented the resolution, saying the project expects roughly $30,000,000 in capital expenditures and the creation of about 25 full-time jobs. The resolution, as described to the commission, limits tax relief to real property taxes and preserves school property tax revenue: “No abatement on the school portions of trust and tax through the 10 year term,” the chair read from the terms presented to the body.

Under the schedule described to commissioners, abatement would begin with a 0% payment percentage for the first five years and then phase up over the remaining term. The commission’s action was a statement of support for the Industrial Development Board’s agreement; the staff presentation identified the incentive as a payment-in-lieu arrangement tied to real property taxes only.

The commission moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by roll call. The transcript records affirmative votes from those present; the clerk recorded the motion as carried.

The resolution does not specify the identity of the private financing partners or the final site-selection agreements beyond the company’s stated plan to purchase property and construct the facility. The commission’s action supports the Industrial Development Board’s terms; any final contract details and implementation remain subject to the Industrial Development Board and subsequent administrative steps.

The commission proceeded to other agenda items after the vote and called an executive session later in the meeting.