By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
Decatur’s strong economy was again underscored at the June 20 meeting of city council.
Champion Homes began production in the former All American Homes plant on 13th St. earlier this year and is moving full steam ahead, as evidenced by figures unveiled at the meeting as Champion seeks tax abatements.
Plant Manager Adam Oszakiewski (right in photo) and Adams County Economic Development Director Colton Bickel (left) presented the request for 10-year abatements on both personal property and equipment.
Approximately 100 people, including management, are currently working at the plant, Oszakiewski said. But in time, as it reaches full production, the plant will have some 232 employees, with an average wage of $24.32, or $52,520 per year.
Champion is investing almost $8.5 million in real estate and just over $20 million in personal property, according to Oszakiewski.
He added that approximately one home a day is currently being produced at the plant, “but I think we can do three a day by next year.”
He also touched on an employee incentive plan in which workers can earn higher pay according to how many houses are produced daily.
The Champion numbers follow the recent tax abatements granted The Country Butcher, the beef processing facility expected to go into operation here late this year and eventually provide a little over new 100 jobs. I-O Properties’ investment in the former Dean Foods plant was estimated at more than $16 million.
As usual with tax abatements, council approved a resolution declaring the Champion plant an economic revitalization zone.
At its next meeting, on Wednesday, July 5, council will hold a public hearing at 7 p.m., allowing comments from the public. What is expected to follow the hearing is approval of a confirming resolution which provides the tax abatements.
The tax breaks are provided on a sliding scale, with no taxes paid the first year, then 10% of the tax bill is paid the second year, 20% on the third year and so on.
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