Press Release
Submitted by Justin Taylor
Candidate for NCBOCC
District 5
March 28, 2016 1:45 a.m.
The Board of County Commissioners have been discussing economic incentives that will largely shape the future financial and economic outlook of Nassau County. The objective of these incentives are to lure two large companies to bring their capital investment and job creation to our great County. There are varying opinions on offering incentives and I’d like to communicate my views on this subject so you can get to know me as you consider who to elect as County Commissioner for district 5.
The major project being discussed is simply referred to as “Project MOM,” due to confidentiality of ongoing negotiations. This project would bring a minimum capital investment of $170 million dollars and approximately 220 manufacturing jobs to the west side of our County. These jobs guarantee an
average annual salary of more than $43,000.
Incentives sought by “Project MOM” largely award a rebate of taxes paid; ultimately allowing this business to forgo a portion of their County paid property taxes for 15 years. However, since the rebate is only applicable to the County (BOCC) millage, the company would pay estimated taxes of approximately $22 million over that 15 year period to the School Board and other applicable taxing authorities without a refund of those payments. In addition, the immediate direct impact will be the 220 high paying local jobs. This gives our workforce the ability to support our local stores, restaurants, etc. and bolsters revenue to the County in the form of sales and gasoline taxes that are currently in place. These revenues will aid in assuring our roads, parks and facilities can be improved. In addition, this job creation will help in reducing the 60% of our citizens that have to travel out of County for work each day. It is also important to note that incentives being explored require no upfront cash. Therefore, funds do not have to be found in the County’s tight budget, nor is an undue burden placed on current taxpayers.
The long term impact would be even greater. Once the incentives expire, “Project MOM” would pay well over $2.5 million dollars a year in property taxes between all County taxing districts (School Board, County, etc.). This amount of tax revenue would help in keeping residential property taxes low. So I ask you, would you refund ten dollars of a twenty dollar payment today in order to secure getting twenty dollar payments for the next 30, 50 or more years? You generate $10 dollars of revenue today while securing a revenue source, for not only today’s generation, but future Nassau County generations. It is this common sense and long-term approach to community development I will strive for as County Commissioner.
In essence, paying $6,800 a year for the 15 years in tax rebates for each of those 220 jobs. To grant such incentives there needs to be some specific “guarantees” by the company as to the number, timing and compensation of the jobs. The westside could use some economic development so from that standpoint the investment would be a good one.
Is this a large corporation who owes it to shareholders to maximize profits and that happens via the backs of local communities hoping to boost their local economies? Workers are a vital ingredient in any business, its a sign of the times that companies and government officials increasingly view the creation of jobs as an expense that should be subsidized by taxpayers. The argument that businesses will employ 220 people who pay taxes and spend money in the local economy no longer flies. Besides half will probably live in GA and take the expenditures there.
What type of impact with this company have on our environment? I am always curious the measures the county is taking to mediate the impact manufacturing businesses can have on our relatively undeveloped land.
I am also curious about other industries to the area besides manufacturing? $43K is not a high paying career – don’t get me wrong, it’s a decent living – but its certainly not going to attract new families to the area. And of those jobs – are there enough local skilled workers for them? Is there a plan in place to get our students from the high schools directly into these careers? What else is the county doing to make this lucrative to the whole community besides the tax benefits?
I believe I shared this concern with you at a festival last weekend as well – what can the county to better to work with the State to improve traffic from the island to 95 for the other 60% of the workforce that drives to Jacksonville for professional jobs? Fly overs, round abouts or other ways to improve the drive time rather than widened roads and stop lights would be a welcome change.
Not knowing anything specific about “Project Mom” in advance, and examining to some extent the pros and cons before deciding on it’s propriety, doesn’t make good sense. At least we kick the tires of a used car before signing a contract – even if we don’t read contract language until it’s too late. Promises are just that, promises, without due diligence. Shine some light on this proposed enterprise before – rather than after the fact