Auburn council approves $17.1 million tax abatement for CSP, annexation and multiple contracts

At a Jan. 6 meeting, the Auburn City Council approved several economic development and land-use measures, including a tax abatement for CSP Technologies and the annexation of Cole Place phase 1. Mayor Ron Anders read the actions into the record and thanked the company for expanding in Auburn.

The council approved a tax abatement resolution with CSP Technologies, which the minutes said plans a $17,100,000 capital investment in its manufacturing center and will hire 18 new employees. "Thank you, CSP, for your decision to come to Auburn," Mayor Ron Anders said, expressing appreciation for the company's expansion.

Council members also approved the annexation of Cole Place phase 1, described in the minutes as approximately 86 acres on Society Hill Road east of Nash Creek Drive and north of Mitchell Farms. The council noted the site will be developed as a rural neighborhood with 28 lots planned.

Other approved items listed on the agenda included: a required annual report under the Rebuild Alabama Act for FY2025 showing Auburn’s $555,000 allocation in gas-tax infrastructure funding; a Lee County funding agreement for repair and resurfacing of Thistle Lane with Auburn contributing $35,000; a $516,000 contract with Whatley Construction for Duck Samford baseball concessions renovations; and a drainage and utility easement vacation for Auburn Hilltop Holdings (details not specified in the minutes).

The council also granted alcohol beverage licenses for a new Circle K at 1684 South College Street (retail beer and retail table wine) and for a new Korean steakhouse at 1660 South College Street (retail liquor). The minutes do not record individual vote tallies or the names of makers/seconders for motions.

What the council approved at the meeting will move forward per the standard administrative processes; formal next steps or effective dates were not specified in the minutes.