OTTAWA – One person expressed objections to a proposed property tax break for a new expansion at Macfasteners’ Davis Road Industrial Park Wednesday night. At a public hearing held by the Ottawa City Commission, Norman Wooge, of rural Ottawa, said the tax abatement isn’t fair to other businesses or residents. He referred to President Obama’s “fair share” speech at Osawatomie, and that the company should pay its fair share. City finance director Scott Bird said that based on the company’s proposal, Macfasteners qualifies for a 55-percent, 10-year tax abatement under city rules. The company has requested to “front load” the abatement so, the company would get a 100-percent abatement in the first few years and would quickly taper off, he said. The abatement applies to the new addition, and not present facilities. Macfasteners, which makes fasteners and does contract work for the aviation industry, has 40 employees and would hire another 10 over the next three years once the expansion is done.
Thursday, Dec. 8, 10 p.m.
