By Don Murtha
The cities of Mount Angel and Silverton may soon work together to entice new business to bring jobs to their communities through a project known as an Enterprise Zone.
The Mount Angel City Council took its first step to demonstrate interest in the undertaking by endorsing a resolution indicating the city’s interest in the joint enterprise zone.
Mount Angel City Administrator Eileen Stein said the idea of the two cities joining forces for the common good in specific areas came up in a meeting with Silverton City Manager Bob Willoughby.
“The Silverton City Council will adopt a resolution similar to Mount Angel’s to get the ball rolling in November,” Stein said. “By joining with Silverton this will put Mount Angel more in the game to draw new business.”
The joint arrangement has been encouraged by SEDCOR (Strategic Economic Development Corporation of Marion and Polk Counties), Stein said.
An Enterprise Zone establishes policies to encourage economic growth and development within the boundaries of the zone. Incentives may include tax concessions, infrastructure attractions and local incentives for a period of three to five years, depending on the local program. To qualify, the business must hire one or more new employees and not dismiss any as long as the business benefits from the program. Qualifying businesses include manufacturers, processors, shippers, call centers and headquarters-type facilities.
The tax base on existing businesses would be unchanged. But, in exchange for locating in an enterprise zone, a business may receive exemption from taxes on a new plant, new machinery and new equipment for the duration of the program.
The boundary of the proposed Mount Angel Enterprise Zone is a triangular area between Main Street and North Pershing Street, East Marquam Street on the south and on the north to the Kraemer property.
Stein said she will approach other businesses in town to determine whether there is more interest in Mount Angel. Although the program aims to attract new businesses, it also seeks to help existing businesses develop and hire addition staff.
Mount Angel Mayor Andrew Otte said the resolution endorsed by the council at the October meeting is “the critical step” and the issue will return with greater detail for further action.
