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Tax credits could assist county development

Hillsboro resident Stan Thiessen told Marion County Commission Monday that the commission cannot waste any more time with economic development efforts.

"For the sake of prosperity in Marion County, the county needs to take a position with economic development," Thiessen said.

He related to the commission the progress other counties have made with development efforts.

"It's phenomenal what they're doing in Chase County," Thiessen said. "We're not even close to being there yet because we don't have an economic development person in position."

Thiessen distributed information to the commission regarding tax credits and entities that were awarded grant funds in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

A community service tax credit is available to businesses that qualify by contributing to a community service organization or governmental entity that provides community services, crime prevention, or health care services.

The credit is 50 percent of the contribution made during the taxable year. If the approved community service organization is located in a rural community (15,000 population or less) the credit is 70 percent.

"Economic development works hand-in-hand with tax credit programs," Thiessen said.

The majority of the entities listed were health-related organizations or businesses.

"The state is awarding tax credits to entities other than health-related," Thiessen said. He also sited funds being awarded to Butler County Historical Society and Rice County Community Foundation.

Thiessen said a tax credit might assist owners of historical homes. He also said McPherson received a $750,000 grant from the government.

"This goes beyond brick and mortar," Thiessen said. The funds could be used for an endowment fund. Rice County used the funds to build a community center, he added.

Thiessen told the commission Rice County has been following this process for several years.

In the materials Thiessen distributed, he suggested a task force be formed to consider all facets of county development and county personnel be hired to assist with planning and implementing the program.

He said the county needs to become educated about tax credits because it is important to understand where the money comes from and how to utilize it.

"Make sure the person that's hired for the development position knows about this (tax credits)," Thiessen concluded.

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