A PILOT point system, interim City Council member

PILOT public hearing

The meeting will begin with a public hearing on a proposed payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) agreement between the city, Hamilton County, and Novonix, the battery manufacturing company.

Per the 15-year agreement, Novonix would pay annual rents to the city’s Industrial Development Board (IDB) below what the company would owe in property taxes.

After 15 years, Novonix would pay its full property tax rate. Hamilton County Schools would still receive its full share of property taxes owed by Novonix throughout the agreement.

As part of the deal, Novonix would purchase a 182-acre, city- and county-owned property at Enterprise South Industrial Park to build a new facility and expand its manufacturing operations.

The company must also invest at least $800 million into the expansion and create 400 new jobs by summer 2030.

Novonix would also agree to publicize its employment and contract opportunities to make jobs and contracts available to Hamilton County residents and businesses.

Residents will have the opportunity to address Council members about the agreement, which is up for approval by City Council on Jan. 21.

New PILOT policy

Updated policies for the city’s PILOT program are also up for vote.

The resolution would give the city’s Industrial Development Board (IDB) the power to authorize new PILOT agreements without Council approval.

The policies also outline a point system for scoring potential PILOT projects based on the expected number of new jobs, total investment from a company, and additional factors, such as community benefits agreements and employee benefits and apprenticeship programs.

More points mean a longer tax abatement periods.

The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce would first review applications and make recommendations to the mayor’s office about the PILOT length. The chamber would then submit applications to the IDB for approval.

PILOT agreements could be 10 years maximum, although the IDB could seek Council approval to make deals longer than 10 years.

Interim Council member

A resolution would solicit applications to fill the District 6 City Council seat made vacant by the death of Councilwoman Carol Berz on Dec. 11.

The new councilperson, chosen by a vote of the eight current Council members, will serve until the election of a new District 6 representative in the city elections scheduled for March 4.

Appointments

Council will vote on appointing Marcus Cade-Johnson to the city’s Industrial Development Board (IDB).

The IDB executes PILOT and Tax Increment Financing agreements, which involve tax incentives and public funding for businesses and developers.

Mayor Kelly looks to appoint Melody Wingfield as Chief Human Resources Officer for the city.

Harley donation

The Chief of Police looks to donate a 2009 Harley Davidson motorcycle to the Cohutta Police Department.

Attend this week’s meeting

When: Tuesday, Jan. 14 at 3:30 p.m

Where: City Council Building, 1000 Lindsay Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402

Or: Watch the meeting live on YouTube @chattanoogacitycouncil8743

Chattanooga City Council is open to the public.

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Contact William at william@chattamatters.com