During the boards regular meeting Dec. 1 the board voted to extend a promissory note to LG Hausys America Inc., a division of LG Group. The agreement commits the county to paying the LG $200,000 in cash or in-kind services to build a granite manufacturing plant on Highway 41.
The $50 million plant will bring in an estimated 80 jobs to the county. The company already owns the property, and runs LG Chem on Highway 41. LG Hausys has also considered building the plant in Virginia instead of Gordon County.
The county approached the Georgia Department of Economic Development for assistance in drafting an incentive package. The Department of Economic Development offered to extend $200,000 in cash to LG Hausys with the understanding that Gordon County would match the funds either in cash or in-kind benefits.
“In-kind means roadwork or anything the county can do that doesn’t require handing out money,” said County Clerk Annette Berry.
LG Chem already has a plant located in Gordon County and according to the promissory note signed by the board, the county, in conjunction with the Development Authority, provided LG with ad valorem tax relief. The county also worked with the Department of Transportation to improve roads into the facility.
Board Chairman Alvin Long said the board is hoping to work out an agreement where no cash changes hands.
According to Long, LG Hausys pays $250,000 in educational property taxes each year.
“We don’t stand to lose any money if this deal doe not go through,” Long said.
Also during the Dec. 1 the meeting, the commission:
- Approved a mutual aid agreement with the Department of Natural Resources to construct the Resaca Battle Field Visitors Center.
- Nominated Matt Barton and David Hammond to serve another three year term on the Gordon Hospital board.
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Approved the application of a SAFER grant through the Department of Homeland Security. The grant would be used to hire nine fire fighters.
What's wrong with going to Chickamauga to get the Civil War history itch cured. Again why?