Council adopts resolution designating Fischer Farms site an economic revitalization area

The Dubois County Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2024-13 on July 29, 2024, designating a portion of Jackson Township as an economic revitalization area for Fischer Farms Natural Foods LLC. Deputy Auditor Lynn Gosman presented the declaratory resolution and the County’s finding that the property meets criteria under IC 6-1.1-12.1 to support job creation and protect existing employment.

The Council heard from Diana Fischer and Health Weyer of Fischer Farms Natural Foods, who requested property tax abatement for a new facility and equipment. The County Abatement Review Committee reported scoring that recommended personal-property abatement for five years (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, 20%) and real-property abatement for nine years (100% through 20% in year nine) based on the committee’s point totals.

Exhibit B (personal property) listed $2,600,000 in new investment, projected hiring of 10 full-time and 3 part-time positions, and a total committee score of 85 points that produced the five-year schedule. Exhibit C (real property) listed $1,700,000 in new investment, the same employment projection, a higher total score of 93 points and a recommended nine-year schedule.

Alex Hohl moved to adopt the resolution and Doug Uebelhor seconded; the motion carried unanimously. The resolution text directs that notice of the resolution and required disclosures be published under IC 5-3-1 and that a public hearing be set, at which objections and remonstrances will be considered before final confirmation, modification, or rescission of the designation.