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Council extends Holstone Farms LB840 contract to 2029, adjusts job targets; vote 7–1
Summary
Council approved an amendment extending Holstone (Wholesome) Farms’ LB840 loan forgiveness timeline to 2029 and amending employee‑creation metrics after staff and advisory committees recommended the change; council members balanced job retention and altered expectations.
The Fremont City Council voted to amend a 2021 LB840 award to Holstone (Wholesome) Farms, extending the contract term to 2029 and adjusting the employer’s employee‑creation requirements. Angie Olsen, plan administrator, said Holstone has had three of five years forgiven under the original schedule and that the company now requests additional time and a revised employee target (the staff packet references an amendment to 300 full‑time employees) because of higher construction costs and operational changes.
Olsen said the local option review team and the citizens advisory review committee reviewed the requested amendment and recommended approval. Staff also noted Holstone’s continuing capital commitments in Fremont, including cold storage investments the company reported as part of its planned expansion and the company’s statement that most employees live locally.
Some council members raised questions about whether the change dilutes Fremont’s return on investment compared with the original plan; staff and committee members countered that the amendment preserves local investment, supports retention and recognizes reality changes since the award’s original application. The council approved the amendment 7–1.
