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EDAC votes to recommend raising local commercial exemption to attract Marmon expansion
Summary
EDAC voted by voice to recommend that the town council extend and strengthen the local commercial/industrial tax exemption (RSA 72/80), proposing an increase from 5 to 7 years and raising the cap to 30% to encourage Marmon and other businesses to locate or expand in Hooksett.
Alden (speaker 1) moved that EDAC recommend changes to the town’s commercial/industrial tax‑exemption policy to make Hooksett more competitive for prospective expansions. After discussion and an amended wording read by another committee member, the formal recommendation proposed increasing eligibility from 5 to 7 years and raising the exemption cap; speaker 7 read the draft: "in accordance to the 72‑80 tax exemption, EDAC recommends to increase the eligibility of 5 to 7 years and increase the percentage of the tax exemption to 30%."
Grant (staff) explained the mechanics: the town council sets the local maximum (the 25%/5‑year practice is the current local cap) and may grant differing exemptions on an application‑by‑application basis within any new maximum the council adopts. Staff said Marmon had contacted the town and was weighing other locations; members expressed urgency because the current approvals would expire next year and Marmon may need to apply before beginning construction.
The motion passed by voice vote; EDAC members asked staff to prepare property maps, the list of 18 ERZ/TIF sites and background material for the council should they move to adopt a new ceiling. The committee’s recommendation is advisory — final approval rests with the town council.
