In a pair of unanimously approved changes, the Christian County Fiscal Court moved Tuesday morning to realign commercial and industrial property tax rebates — from this point forward — be discontinued once a business changes ownership, and then agreed to a 70% property tax rebate over 10 years for Legacy Metals Manufacturing, following its $2 million investment promising 14 new jobs.
Though it wasn’t discussed in open chambers, Judge-Executive Steve Tribble and Magistrate Darrell Gustafson both confirmed the discontinuing of commercial PVA rebates was prompted by discussions with previous ownership of Sisk Auto Mall in Hopkinsville.
Legally, Tribble and Gustafson said rebates were still being offered to Sisk Auto Mall’s former owners — until Tuesday’s reversal occurred.
Gustafson alluded to this and explained it prior to a vote.
Tribble noted any prior exchanges of commercial property would be grandfathered in and not subject to the decision.
Meanwhile, under these new guidelines, the fiscal court worked swiftly to commend Legacy Metals Manufacturing and its workforce expansion. Located at 3735 Prosperity Lane, the business offers a full-service lumber yard, metal siding and roofing with a 40-year warranty in 21 colors, metal and wood trusses for roofs, and other building packages.
Magistrate Jerry Gilliam noted that if ownership of Legacy Metals Manufacturing invests more than $2,000,000 and the property is valued as such, then improved incentives — perhaps 80% or 90% over 10 years — are possible.
Tribble agreed, and Gustafson clarified once again.
In other fiscal court news:
— Irene Grace, Christian County Animal Shelter director, said more than $5,700 in monetary donations came to the organization in December, through 57 donors (some anonymous).
— Tribble noted that both the Kentucky Association of Counties ($2,000) and the state’s Judge-Executive Association ($5,000) have recently donated to a tornado relief fund directed at Christian County, and the damage suffered in and around Pembroke and southern Christian County.
— The fiscal court also unanimously approved the surplus of two 2019 John Deere tractors, in a trade in for two more newer tractors on state contracts.
