ORLEANS – The Orleans Town Council took under advisement a request for a new tax abatement for Jasper Seating.
The council requested additional documentation related to the request.
The company, which is headquartered in Jasper, Indiana, purchased the 1.2 million-square-foot facility at 201 East Martin Street in Orleans, which was formerly occupied by furniture manufacturer Paoli Inc.
Jason Lent, CFO, and a delegation from Jasper Seating requested a new tax abatement for the Orleans facility.
Lents told the council that the company is in the process of making an investment of more than $900,000 in the local plant. Jasper Seating first purchased the manufacturing location in 2017 and is a major employer in Orleans and Orange County area. The facility currently employs more than 500 people.
Part of the sizeable investment plan includes the purchase and installation of automated material handling units in the amount of approximately $400,000. In addition, Lents noted that the roof above the
plant’s finish room is in need of dire repair at the cost of $500,000.
The Orange County Economic Development Partnership presented a letter supporting the consideration of the abatement.
A public hearing was conducted on the town’s OCRA Grant application. The grant will be submitted on June 30 in the amount of $700,000. The grant, if received, would be used to upgrade the town’s aging water distribution lines.
Council learned that the town received a grant from the Indiana Arts Commission of $4,000. The money will be used to install a historical mural in the downtown gateway park area. The artwork is being designed by Orleans High School advanced art students.
The Council issued and signed a proclamation in honor of the Kiwanis Club of Orleans’s upcoming 100th Anniversary. July 19th has been officially proclaimed “Kiwanis Club of Orleans Day.”
Town Clerk Robert Henderson briefly discussed the preparation of the 2024 Town Budget. Henderson requested and received approval to advertise additional appropriations for office/part-time help in the current budget year in the amount of $20,0000. A public hearing is set during the regular July 20th meeting to consider the request.
Monthly reports were also received and reviewed by the town department heads.
