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Allen County Council approves 10-year personal-property abatement for BF Goodrich expansion, 4-2 vote
Summary
The council voted 4-2 to approve a 10-year personal-property tax abatement for BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturingto support a $157 million equipment investment; the company said it will retain about 1,522 employees while modernizing production and increasing average wages.
The Allen County Council approved a 10-year personal-property tax abatement for BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing on Jan. 7, voting 4-2 to accept the company's statement of benefits tied to a $157 million equipment investment.
Rachel Black, Economic Development, told the council the company's SB-1 application indicates it will retain 1,522 employees with "salaries over $118 million" and later expects workforce adjustments as automation is installed. "Based on the point system that we use to evaluate, the company is eligible for a 10-year tax abatement on their personal property that is not considered special tooling," she said.
Chad Morrow, plant manager at the BF Goodrich facility, described the work and the investment, saying, "This coming year we'll plan to make about 3.5 million tires out of our factory," and stressing the company's aim to remain competitive through new equipment and worker upskilling.
Debate on the council focused on the balance between long-term plant viability, wages and community benefit. Councilmember Kenny Fries said he opposed abatements on principle, citing homeowner burdens: "Until we come up with a way to save our property owners' money, I have to vote against every one of the abatements." Vice President Lyndsey Hammond expressed concern about job losses tied to automation and said the replacement count was not specified: "So, there will be a reduction in 91 non-skilled jobs, and how many high-skilled jobs will replace them?"
Supporters said the abatement helps preserve the plant in Allen County. Councilmember Paul Lagemann noted the county's long-term interests: "If you don't upgrade, you don't stay," and said the measure was intended to protect thousands of local jobs and future tax base.
The motion to consider Resolution 2026-07 (statement of benefits for BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing) was moved by Councilmember Tom Harris and seconded by Councilmember Paul Lagemann and passed by roll call as "Passes, 4-2 (Ken Fries/Lyndsey Hammond Opposed)." The council did not require additional conditions or giveback funds in the final motion.
Next steps: The abatement is effective per the statement of benefits approved; implementation steps (filing, monitoring and local compliance) will be handled by Economic Development and county staff.
