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Local manufacturer seeks TIF to expand in Westborough, pledges jobs
Summary
M Seal representatives asked the Select Board to support a local TIF to retain and expand operations in town, promising about 20 new jobs; the board signaled support of the warrant article to enable access to additional state economic development funding tied to job creation.
Lester Hensley of M Seal presented Article 19 at the Select Board meeting on Oct. 8, asking the town to authorize a tax-increment financing (TIF) arrangement to support the company’s planned in-place expansion.
Hensley described the business’s local history, the acquisition that prompted relocation of some operations and a plan to expand into adjacent space on Bridle Lane that would add a new production line and an estimated 20 semi-skilled and skilled jobs. He said the local TIF would not affect existing base taxes but would provide relief on the incremental value from the expansion and — crucially — unlock larger state incentive funding contingent on job creation.
Town staff presented an evaluation worksheet prepared by the chief assessor and noted the town’s share of the incremental tax benefit was modest — staff cited a rough estimated town benefit of “just under $24,000” over the 15-year term — while the TIF could open access to approximately $194,000 in state economic development assistance tied to the job commitments.
Select Board members voiced support for keeping and growing manufacturing jobs in town and encouraged prospective documentation tying job commitments to performance milestones required to access state funds. The board agreed to include Article 19 on the special town meeting support list and recommended town meeting consideration.
