Council Approves Tax Abatements, Brings Jobs To Novi

NOVI, MI — After much debate and close votes, Novi’s city council recently approved tax abatements for two businesses that could bring hundreds of jobs into the city. Berkshire eSupply, a tool supply company, and Hanon Systems, which provides thermal energy management solutions, received 12-year abatements that will amount to $7.6 million, according to a Novi News report.

“Instead of trying to offer these on a limited basis, we’re opening the window to more and longer abatements,” Novi City Councilman Andrew Mutch said. “And that’s just not a way I’d like to go.”

Mayor Bob Gatt said the “casual ‘we will miss out on some’ attitude” had him concerned. “Do I like tax abatements? Heck, no. I wish they didn’t exist,” he said. “I don’t think it’s corporate welfare – I think it’s the game that we’re playing today. If Novi wants to stay in the game, we’re going to have to play it.”

For more, go to the Novi News.

Photo courtesy of Hanon Systems