For Immediate Release
November 20, 2024
Gallia County, OH — The Gallia County Commissioners today announced that the County will begin accepting applications for the recently-passed Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) tax abatement program on Monday, December 2, 2024. This program will be available to commercial, industrial, and residential property owners throughout all unincorporated areas of the County.
The Gallia County Commissioners passed this CRA legislation with the goal of fostering growth in the County, including the creation of new, well-paying jobs, encouraging expansions of current employers, assisting in the recruitment of new employers, and growing the availability of various types of housing units. To incentivize this growth, the CRA offers a multi-year abatement on a taxpayer’s increased property taxes that result from their investments in real property, such as new construction, additions, and significant renovations.
The creation of the program comes amid billions in new industrial projects announced and underway within 60 miles of Gallia County. Thousands of new full-time jobs are expected to be created in support of those projects. In preparation of this historic opportunity in the region, an Economic Development Strategic Plan and County-Wide Housing Study were completed in early 2024, with both recommending that Gallia County make greater use of incentive programs available to local governments to enhance its ability to attract new investments.
Gallia County’s CRA program has been in development for nearly a year and is the result of substantial collaboration, planning, and input between the County Commissioners, County Auditor, Economic Development, local public school districts, and community members.
Community Reinvestment Area Overview
A Community Reinvestment Area is an economic development tool available under Ohio law that enables counties, cities, and municipalities to encourage development through targeted property tax incentives. With the County’s new CRA, qualifying industrial, commercial, and residential projects may receive tax abatements at the following levels:
- Commercial and Industrial projects – Up to 15 years and 100% abatement
- Commercial Residential projects five units or more – Up to 15 years and 100% abatement
- Residential projects four units and under – 10-year, 75% abatement on the first $265,000 in increased value
By implementing this CRA, Gallia County will be able to offer tax incentives to companies that commit to creating and/or retaining well-paying jobs and making substantial investments in real property. Additionally, by incentivizing residential construction, the CRA will help address a critical housing shortage and affordability issue, benefiting both current residents and new residents moving into the area for work and other opportunities.
County Official Comments
“I appreciate the effort from all involved in creating this new tool that I’m confident will stimulate much-needed growth across Gallia County. The program has the ability to positively impact many people, whether it’s the individual looking for some savings to make an addition to their residence, or a major business that commits to creating or keeping good jobs for our residents. I’m excited to see what we can accomplish using the CRA,” stated Jay Stapleton, President, Gallia County Commissioners.
“When you look at the data surrounding Gallia County’s population, school enrollment, and job opportunities, and then look at some of major projects happening in the region, it’s clear to me how important it is to have the ability to use a program like this to grow Gallia County. This is all about trying to create new opportunities for our local businesses and families to build their lives here,” stated Leslie Henry, Vice President, Gallia County Commissioners.
“The CRA program will provide an incentive for our residents and businesses to continue investing here, all while providing an impactful tool to bring in outside investment as well. I look forward to seeing some positive new developments in Gallia County and the long-term expansion of our tax base with the help of this incentive,” stated David Smith, Gallia County Commissioner.
Learn More About the CRA Program
Depending on the type of development, there may be a different process and application for a taxpayer to complete in order to receive a tax abatement.
Information on the program can be found at GalliaNet.net and GrowGallia.com, and frequently asked questions can be found at LiveinGallia.com.
About Gallia County Economic Development
The mission of the Gallia County Economic Development is to promote economic growth in Gallia County through the attraction of new business and industry and the retention of existing businesses by providing resources that encourage investment and development resulting in economic vitality, diversification of Gallia County’s tax base, and improved quality of life for Gallia County residents. Learn more at GrowGallia.com.
Media Contact:
Cole Massie
Director of Economic Development
University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College on behalf of Gallia County Economic Development
740-418-9566
cmassie@rio.edu
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