Council preliminarily approves economic revitalization designation, tax abatement for Kelly Box project

Harrison County Council voted unanimously on Monday to preliminarily designate a site in the Harrison County Industrial Park as an economic revitalization area and to approve a preliminary tax base and abatement for a proposed Kelly Box & Packaging facility.

Christy Powell of RJL Solutions introduced resolutions 2025-07 and 2025-08 describing the package. Justin Dirig of Kelly Box & Packaging told the council the company plans to build a 60,000-square-foot manufacturing and warehouse facility on a 9.2-acre shovel-ready site. Dirig said total investment for the project exceeds $15 million, including $6,587,000 in real property and $8,785,000 in personal property.

"We anticipate hiring 13 new employees with an annual payroll of approximately $699,000," Justin Dirig said, adding that the facility could grow to about 55 full-time employees if business expands. He said most new hires are expected to be local.

Councilman Richard Gerdon moved to approve the two declaratory resolutions; Councilman Joe Kellum seconded. The council voted 7 ayes and 0 nays. The resolutions are declaratory only and do not commit county funds or finalize an abatement. A confirmatory public hearing on the proposed abatement is scheduled for Dec. 22, 2025.

Why it matters: The council’s action clears a procedural hurdle that allows Kelly Box to seek a formal abatement at a later public hearing; if approved, the project could bring new private investment and jobs to the industrial park. The council did not vote on any final tax incentives or appropriate county funds at Monday’s meeting.

What’s next: The council will hold the confirmatory public hearing on Dec. 22, 2025, at which members of the public and county officials can provide testimony before a final decision is made.