Bannock County commissioners back letter of support, signal openness to tax-abatement talks

The Bannock County Board of Commissioners voted to write a letter of support for a pending economic development project and agreed to signal a willingness to enter negotiations over a potential tax abatement. The motion, moved by an unidentified commissioner, passed on a voice vote after brief discussion about keeping the language broad and including conditions only if necessary.

Staff asked that Pocatello’s letter be provided as a template and said they would forward talking points and a draft as soon as possible. Commissioners said they preferred broad language that preserves negotiating flexibility; one commissioner said they would “keep it pretty broad.” The board did not vote on any specific abatement terms during the meeting.

Next steps: staff will prepare a draft letter, circulate Pocatello’s template for the commissioners’ review, and return with a version for final approval.