Nature Coast Business Development Council Executive Director Dave Pieklik requests tax relief for a new industry that is expected to create 105 new jobs.

By Terry Witt – Spotlight Senior Reporter

                In an effort to spur job growth, Levy County Commissioners Tuesday authorized $60,000 in property tax relief for a new industry in Chiefland that will manufacture pontoon boats and truck cabs and plans to build an on-site training academy, marina and machine shop.

            A&M Manufacturing purchased the former site of the Central Florida Electric Cooperative warehouse and has begun to operate as a manufacturing site, said Dave Pieklik, executive director of the Nature Coast Business Development Council in a presentation to the commission.

            The agreement with the county commission calls for A&M to create 105 jobs over the next five years as one of the primary requirements for receiving the tax break. There are other requirements as well.

Creating jobs builds wealth in the community as employees live in the area and spend their income investing in homes and vehicles and patronizing businesses like grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants. New businesses expand the property tax base.

            He said the long range plans of the company are to create 157 jobs by the year 2028.

            “At the end of the day we’ll certainly be getting back that $60,000 in tax breaks,” Pieklik said.

            Pieklik said the owner of A&M fell in love with the warehouse site when he realized the former CFEC warehouse bordered the Chiefland Middle High School campus. CMHS and the Levy County School District have expressed an interest in taking advantage of any vocational training program developed through A&M.

            The company would build a separate structure for the school academy. CMHS is on the verge of building a new school next door to the plant and it’s not clear if a road or driveway or gate would connect the manufacturing site to the school or what type of arrangement would be used.

            “This is the most exciting project I’ve been a part of, hands down,” Pieklik said.

            The Levy County Business Development Council serves as the county commission’s economic development agency. Commissioners approved an Economic Development Grant Agreement with A&M to give the company the tax relief.

            Money for the tax relief will come from the board’s reserve funds. The commission will need a budget amendment to spend the money for that purpose, according to Pieklik.

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Board of County Commission Regular Meeting July 16, 2019; Posted July 16, 2019