Tyler City Council hears Schuneman project proposal

January 12, 2012

 By Robert Wolfington

tributeeditor@gmail.com

The Tyler City Council sched­uled a public hearing for a tax abatement for a proposed expan­sion to the Schuneman Equip­ment building inTylerduring its regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 9.

Vince Robinson of the Lincoln County Enterprise Development Corporation presented the coun­cil with the project and said Sc­huneman Equipment is request­ing a tax abatement that will help in the $900,000 construc­tion project.

Robinson said the expansion will also likely include the addi­tion of three full-time jobs at Sc­huneman Equipment in addition to the current jobs.

Robinson presented the coun­cil with three options, including a tax abatement, utilizing an existing tax incriminate finance district or creating a new TIF district.

Robinson said the abatement option was his recommended option because it gave the city more input and control over how it is administered.

The council scheduled the public hearing for Monday, Feb. 6 during its regular meet­ing.

Robinson said the Lin­coln County Board also scheduled a hearing for its portion of the tax abate­ment, which will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7 during its regular meeting.

City Councilman Erick Harper said he was im­pressed with the scope of the project and the eco­nomic impact it will have inTyler.

Mayor Kurt Thomsen said he was happy to see an existing business inTy­lernot only maintaining its current staff, but also looking at expanding.

Robinson said Schu­namen Equipment is also working with the Tyler Regional Economic Devel­opment board on a grant to help cover additional expenses for the project.

The tax abatement would be for a period of 10 years with a net total incentive to the business of $73,210.

The council approved the hiring of anew citypolice officer from the rec­ommendation of the Tyler Fire/Police Committee.

Eric Bloch, formerly of the Balaton Police Depart­ment, was selected for the position.

Harper, a member of the committee, said there were four strong candi­dates for the position and complimented Police Chief John Spindler for finding strong part-time officers to work with the city.