Council approves five‑year tax abatement for Midwest Metal Products; one member abstains

The Delaware County Council approved a five‑year personal‑property tax abatement for Midwest Metal Products on July 28 after a favorable recommendation from the county tax‑abatement committee.

Gina Caraballo, with the Economic Development Alliance and the county redevelopment commission, told the council the company requested a standard five‑year abatement on a metal laser cutter valued at approximately $1,400,000 and provided a statement of benefits and supporting documentation. ‘‘This calculator is an estimation,’’ she said, describing the Hoosier Energy estimator used to project phased abatement impacts.

Chet Smith, CEO of Midwest Metal Products, said the new laser replaces obsolete equipment, will help the company compete and support rehiring. ‘‘This equipment couldn’t come at a better time for us,’’ he said.

A council member disclosed a conflict and abstained from the vote, saying a spouse works for Midwest Metal. Chair called for the motion; the resolution was moved and seconded, and roll call produced seven yes votes and one abstention, approving the abatement.

The resolution materials in the meeting packet included the company’s statement of benefits and the abatement schedule used for the committee review. Council members noted that because the property sits in a TIF district, revenue flows to the county redevelopment commission rather than the general fund.

The council did not set additional conditions beyond the negotiated five‑year phased schedule. The county will record the abatement under the resolution considered at the meeting; implementation steps and reporting will follow the redevelopment commission’s standard process.