Cass County approves tax abatement for Andersons Renewables expansion

The Cass County Council on March 20 approved the second reading of resolution 2026-02 to grant a tax abatement to Andersons Renewables to support a plant expansion.

A county staff presenter, identified in the meeting as Christie, told the council the company is proposing a $60,000,000 new investment, would retain 67 employees with an annual payroll of about $4,800,000 and increase ethanol production capacity by roughly 30,000,000 gallons — described in the presentation as a 20% increase. Christie also described expected byproducts and outputs, including distillers dried grains (DDGs) and corn oil produced as part of the expanded operation. "They are proposing 60,000,000 and a new investment with, retaining 67 employees with payroll of 4,800,000," Christie said during the second-reading presentation.

Council members discussed local job losses at Carter Fuel and noted the agricultural benefits of supporting ethanol production. After the presentation, Derek moved to approve the resolution; Tracy seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

Why it matters: The abatement is intended to encourage local investment and preserve jobs tied to the county's agricultural economy. The council recorded the approval by voice; a formal roll-call tally was not read into the record.

What happens next: Christie said she would provide any needed follow-up information; county staff will finalize paperwork related to the abatement and the company representative (Dan from Andersons) was available online during the meeting to answer questions.

Sources: Presentation to the council by Christie; council motion and voice vote recorded on March 20.