Economic development is St. Clair County is moving ever forward, reports Commission Xhairman Stan Batemon, with more than 600 new jobs and over $250,000 in new property tax revenues.Batemon said in 2006, new industry and developments in the county brought 675 new jobs and expansions of existing facilities announced 70 new jobs.
He said companies have invested a total of $92.3 million in developments and $275,000 in new property taxes.
“They will pay a minimum of $275,000 in new property taxes even if the companies do not plan any expansions,” Batemon said. “The big thing is the $462,000 in one-time sales tax that will go to our schools.”
Batemon said the development in the county would also help the existing economy grow because of the $18.6 million in annual payroll expansions.
St. Clair County Economic Development Council Director Ed Gardner Jr. said 2006 was a big year for development across the county.
“In the last two years, 1,300 jobs have been created in the county,” he said. “This has been a really big year for us. In 2007, we’re going to continue recruiting, but we’re going to be focusing on retail development, infrastructure and work-force training initiatives.”
With more than half of St. Clair’s work force leaving the county to work in other areas, Gardner said he hopes bringing this many new jobs to the county will allow many of the workers to get jobs closer to home and end the commute.
“We hope we’re giving our people the opportunity to stay home and work here,” he said. “We plan to continue to provide new opportunities.”
