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Salem Schools approve abatement for autodealer
SALEM
The Salem Board of Education on Monday approved a tax abatement as part of a plan to build a new car dealership in the city.
Nick Bush, school board president, said a financial proposal to build a new dealership for Salem Chrysler Jeep Dodge is “in the hands of the city government.”
John Kufleitner, who owns the dealership, had asked the city to help pay for his plan to move his business at 1965 N. Ellsworth Ave. in Perry Township directly east across the street, which is in the city. Kufleitner has indicated he needed a 90-percent tax abatement in order to make the move.
The city could grant only a 75-percent tax abatement for the property. The school board had to approve another 15 percent for the rest of the abatement to complete the agreement.
The abatement approved by the school board said it will “advance and promote economic development in the [abatement] district and the city.”
The normal taxes will be abated for 10 years, Bush said, adding the city is waiving a certain amount of the tax to enhance growth.
By abating taxes now, the city or schools may get more money in the future.
The schools, he added, will be good stewards of the district’s money.
Bush said it was the first time the board of education has been involved in such an economic plan.
“I’m very proud to be part of it,” he said.
In other action, the board approved the hiring of Cindy Viscounte, who has been a teacher and principal in the Canton School District. She received a three-year contract to become the principal at Reilly School.