JEFFERSON —
Commissioners on Tuesday approved a five-year real estate tax abatement for an addition to a Rock Creek welding shop.
Weldfab, Inc., which does business as J&M Welding, plans to add a $50,000 addition to its existing building in the village. Joe Blaha, owner, told the board that the tax break realized by the abatement will allow the company to purchase some new equipment in addition to making the expansion to their existing building, valued at $67,900.
The agreement requires the company to retain six jobs and add one full-time permanent position. The company’s annual payroll of approximately $148,582 will be maintained.
The Village of Rock Creek, Jefferson Local School District and A-tech Board of Education previously approved the application.
The project is to begin immediately with a completion date of Dec. 31, 2012. The abatement is for 75 percent per year for tax years 2013 to 2017.
Blaha told commissioners that the company has been in business for 30 years and employs county residents. His son also works in the company.
Commissioner Daniel Claypool thanked Blaha for maintaining the six jobs and adding a new one.
“This is another example of small business leading the way in Ashtabula County,” Commissioner Joseph Moroski said.
In other action, the board:
n Ordered publication and bids for the prosecutor’s office and old courthouse repair project. Bid opening is May 18.
n Approved an agreement with Bleckman and Associates of North Canton for consulting services on the Ohio Community Housing Improvement Program (CHIP), administered by the department of planning and community services. The fee is not to exceed $30,475.
n Awarded to Shepp Electric Co. of Montville the water booster station generator upgrades project. The work involves installing four backup generators to ensure reliability of the county water system. The base bid from Shepp was $297,261.
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