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WALKER -- The new Cass County economic development policy the commissioners adopted Tuesday, Sept. 3, relies heavily on state statutes.

It does not allow any tax abatements in areas of the county in a tax increment financing district.

Cass County Economic Development Corp. will serve as the agency where applicants will file their intent to seek a tax abatement. The county board will give final approval or denial.

The benefits to the county must be at least equal to the costs of the abatement or the abatement must be used to phase in a property tax increase and be in the public interest.

The abatement must be approved before any new construction.

Total tax abatements cannot exceed 10% of the current net levy or $200,000, whichever is greater. No single abatement can exceed 1% of the current net tax levy.

A set time limit and amount would be set before the county board would approve a tax abatement.

The county board set a public hearing for the 9 a.m. Oct. 1 county board meeting at the courthouse in Walker to consider a tax abatement for Black Line LLC, which is the company proposing to expand operations in Pine River.

They have asked the board to grant them a tax abatement not to exceed $18,000 over five years, commencing with taxes payable in 2021.

Copies of the abatement resolution and development agreement terms as proposed to be adopted will be on file and available for public inspection at the county administrator's office in the courthouse at Walker.

Second publication rights after Brainerd Dispatch.[[In-content Ad]]

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