The Washington City Council approved a tax abatement for Alliance Barrier Films located on Washington’s east side.
At Monday night’s meeting, Economic Development Commission Director Ron Arnold said the company’s owners are looking at expansion at one of their plants, and the abatement would make Washington an attractive option. Arnold said the company would invest approximately $20 million in the expansion and would add approximately eight jobs to the work force.
Councilman Mike Singleton questioned granting the abatement for jobs paying $13 per hour, which would make the workers eligible for food stamps. Arnold said the numbers on the request were very conservative and notes the pay scale at the plant was actually much higher. The Council voted 5-1 to approve the request with Singleton opposed.
