The Columbus City Council has approved two tax abatement requests made by local companies.
The requests came from CAPCO, LLC and Developmental Services, Inc. (DSI). Both companies are in a previously designated Economic Revitalization Area (ERA).
Councilwoman Elaine Hilber said the Incentive Review Committee, which reviews tax abatement requests before they come to city council, gave both a favorable recommendation.
After a 9-0 vote, CAPCO, LLC, an automated production company, is being given a 10-year personal property tax abatement on an investment of $1.3 million in a new metal stamping press.
CAPCO’s Jun Hashizume mentioned during the incentive review process that the company’s lines are operating at full capacity five days a week, which is why they are investing in the new equipment.
The company currently makes 150 different parts, CAPCO President Dan Arnholt said. The investment will allow them to add “at least 10 new parts to its product offerings” and will lead to the retention of 89 current employees and addition of six new positions by the end of the year, according to the company.
The new positions, consisting of three in production, one in management, one in engineering and one in maintenance are planned to have an average wage of $26.86 per hour, per CAPCO.
During the 10-year abatement period, the city will collect nearly $30,000 in new property taxes and CAPCO will gain approximately $49,000 in tax savings, Council President Frank Miller said, describing it as a “win-win.”
DSI, which serves people with disabilities, is receiving a 10-year real property tax abatement on an investment of $800,000 to build two new supported residential living facilities. The resolution was approved 8-0 with Councilwoman Grace Kestler abstaining.
The facilities, on McKinley Court, are slated to house four individuals with developmental disabilities each.
In 2015, another real property tax abatement was brought before the council and approved when LifeDesigns, which later combined with DSI in 2021, built two homes for the same purpose. The two new homes will be built on lots close by.
DSI indicated the investment will lead to six new positions by Sept. 1 at an average wage of $15.38 plus benefits.
Director of Community Development Robin Hilber said although the average wage is “a bit low,” DSI does pay for life, health and vision insurance.
The homes, staffed 24-hours a day, are designed to be accessible and each bedroom will come with its own bathroom, DSI Director of Facilities Brandon Shumaker said. The supported living homes have the same floor plan and builder as the previous two homes.
“These folks, that’s their place. I think of it as almost kind of an apartment, they’ve got their own living space in the house and we provide utilities and internet as part of the project,” Shumaker said.
Council President Miller was also on council when the first two homes were built and noted there is a need for more of them.
The homes are located in District 1 and Councilman Chris Bartels, who represents the district, said he recently walked the cul-de-sac and spoke to the tenants and staff, calling the new homes “a great addition.”
Hilber said the original goal was for the two homes to be built much sooner, but COVID complicated the timeline.
