City Council News: DiggyPOD to request tax abatement

Tecumseh City Council members set a public hearing date of Monday, Sept. 16 at 7:35 p.m. at its Tuesday, Sept. 3 meeting to hear a request from DiggyPOD for an Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate. DiggyPOD, a printing company owned by Tim Simpson, recently relocated from Saline to 301 Industrial Drive, now occupying a building that previously housed the former Supply Side. The application notes that DiggyPOD’s investment of $595,000 for new equipment will help retain 15 current jobs and create two more within two years. The tax abatement would be for 12 years.“The request is for 50 percent of new investment which is just under $600,000,” Tecumseh City Manager Kevin Welch informed the council members. “This is from a company that just moved in, so not only are we pleased they have moved here, but that they are already expanding. It’s a good sign that certain aspects of the economy are returning and we certainly are the benefactor of that.”The council members also authorized Mayor Richard Johnson to sign a grant agreement with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority to proceed with a $287,000 grant award the city was recently notified it would be receiving. Welch was also authorized to administer funds from the grant.“This grant will help us develop seven upper floor units in downtown Tecumseh,” said Paula Holtz, Economic Development Director, who’s been working with property owners. She said meetings have been held with them and someone would soon be assisting with bid specifications. “The environmental review process has already begun,” she added. The first properties to be renovated will be the upper floor of the James Block Building, and the upper floor of the Carpet On Wheels building. In other business, the council members:• Accepted the resignation of Monica Andrews from the Employees’ Retirement System Board, and presented her with a certificate of appreciation for her four years of service on the board• Accepted the 2013 Personnel Manual which has recently been revised• Approved the purchase of a 2014 Dodge Charger patrol car from Snethcamp Dodge in Lansing, through a state bidding process, for $23,297.43. The car will replace one that recently had an engine failure