Commission approves tax-exemption framework for Nutrien Ag Solutions project

The Atchison City Commission on Monday adopted Resolution 3433, determining the advisability of issuing taxable industrial revenue bonds and authorizing the mayor and city clerk to sign related documents for a proposed Nutrien Ag Solutions project in the Shannon Industrial Park. The commission voted unanimously in favor.

City staff said the proposed project would cost about $17,000,000 and include roughly $2.5–$3 million for processing equipment and the remainder for site work, access and buildings. Phil Conrad, who introduced himself as a representative of Nutrien Ag Solutions, said the company plans a new fertilizer building with liquid storage and blending capacity. "We are the largest potash producer in the world," Conrad said, and added that the business currently staffs about 17 full‑time employees across two local sites and expects to maintain those positions while adding staff as the facility grows.

City attorney/staff explained the IRB route is being used primarily for two incentives: a property-tax exemption and a sales-tax exemption on construction materials. Staff described the proposed property-tax abatement as modeled over a 15‑year horizon (to reflect a 10‑year abatement period), with the draft showing a 100% exemption for seven years followed by phased payments in years eight through ten (staff described percentages of 25%, 50% and 75% in those years in the cost‑benefit model). Bond counsel on the phone clarified the cost‑benefit analysis timeline.

Commissioners noted the project had received a unanimous recommendation from the city's economic development advisory group after discussing job retention versus creation. Mayor (chair) thanked the investors, saying the commission "appreciates that investment in the city of Atchison." The action advances the formal IRB process; future steps will include final documentation and any statutory compliance items required by bond counsel and staff.