Subject:
Title
Resolution expressing support of Beckwith Electric as a qualified applicant for an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption.
label
Recommended Action
Recommended Action
Adopt a Resolution expressing support of Beckwith Electric as a qualified applicant for an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption pursuant to Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes, and authorizing Beckwith Electric to make improvements and/or tangible personal property additions before an Exemption Ordinance is adopted.
• The company is an electric smart grid technology company and is looking to construct a new building that will help them grow the business footprint and staffing.
• The project would include the construction of an approximate 50,000-square foot facility and substantial equipment upgrades for a total estimated capital investment of $6 million.
• An estimated 111 employees are projected to be hired with annual pay scales greater than the average wage for Pinellas County.
• The total exemption will be based on the final assessed value of the real property improvements and provided to the Board before considering an Exemption Ordinance.
Body
Strategic Plan:
Foster continual economic growth and vitality
4.1 Proactively attract and retain businesses with targeted jobs to the county and the region.
Summary:
Beckwith Electric is an electric smart grid technology company that is expanding with both job creation and capital investment components. The company has requested an Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption.
Background Information:
The State of Florida has provided for the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption (EDAVTE) program pursuant Section 196.1995, Florida Statutes. Pinellas County Ordinance 2018-08 amending Chapter 118, Article VI of the Pinellas County Code authorizes the granting of such exemptions.
Beckwith Electric is an electric smart grid technology company that is expanding within the City of Pinellas Park. This project has a total estimated capital investment of $6 million including renovations and equipment. These improvements will be used to accommodate the addition of 111 new full-time jobs.
The company is requesting to be allowed to move forward with the permitting process. The EDAVTE program provides for the approval of a resolution allowing a company to commence its project prior to adoption of an Exemption Ordinance under Section 196.1995, F.S. and Pinellas County Ordinance 2018-08. Based on representations made by the company, the project meets the requirements of the EDAVTE program. This resolution does not bind the Board to adopting an Exemption Ordinance. The project will be brought back to the Board for consideration of an Exemption Ordinance and written agreement. The resolution allows the company to begin their project without losing the ability to receive an EDAVTE.
Current Fiscal Impact:
The total exemption will be based on the final assessed value of real property improvements and additions to tangible personal property. An estimated fiscal impact will be determined by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser and will be included in the staff report brought to the Board during its consideration of an Exemption Ordinance.
Proposed Fiscal Impact:
The total exemption will be based on the final assessed value of real property improvements and additions to tangible personal property, and the exemption period (up to 10 years) and exemption percent (up to 100%) approved by the Board. An estimated fiscal impact will be determined by the Pinellas County Property Appraiser and will be included in the staff report brought to the Board during its consideration of an Exemption Ordinance.
The project is located in the City of Pinellas Park, which is expected to also provide a municipal EDAVTE. The company has provided an estimated construction investment of $5 million for this project. Based on the County’s current millage rate including MSTU of 7.4447, and assuming that 80% of the investment would contribute to taxable value, the maximum annual impact of the real property portion would be about $29,000.00.
The company has also provided an estimated equipment investment of $1 million for this project and would be eligible for an exemption based on the increased assessment of tangible personal property resulting from this investment. The maximum initial impact of the tangible portion would be about $7,440.00. The tangible value would be subject to depreciation in future years.
Staff Member Responsible:
Michael Meidel, Director, Economic Development
Partners:
N/A