SUBJECT
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Public Hearing to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Ordinance 22-018, the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Publix Super Markets, Inc. (IT Headquarters).
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DESCRIPTION
On March 15, 2022, the Board adopted Ordinance No. 22-018 establishing an exemption from certain ad valorem taxation for an expanding business, Publix Super Markets, Inc., related to the expansion of its IT headquarters facility in Polk County. The County and the company also entered into a related Ad Valorem Tax Exemption Performance Agreement on the same date to ensure the company’s fulfillment of its obligations under the Ordinance. The Exemption Period, as defined in both the Ordinance and the Performance Agreement, was to run for ten (10) years, from Tax Year 2025 through Tax Year 2034.
In order to align with another IT expansion project taking place at the same time in the downtown Lakeland area, the company has requested that the Ordinance and Performance Agreement be amended to roll the Exemption Period forward by one (1) year, to commence in Tax Year 2026 and run through Tax Year 2035. A public hearing is required to consider adoption of an ordinance amending Ordinance 22-018 and the related Performance Agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
(1) Adopt ordinance amending Ordinance 22-018, the Economic Development Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Publix Super Markets, Inc. (IT Headquarters); and (2) approve, and authorize the Chair to execute, the related first amendment to the performance agreement between the parties.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Sandra Howard, Deputy County Attorney
863-534-6437