Commissioners approve Enterprise Zone applications

ALBANY — Monday morning, Linn County Commissioners Roger Nyquist, Sherrie Sprenger and Will Tucker approved Long-Term Rural Property Tax Abatement agreements for two industries that plan multi-million-dollar industrial developments that will employ hundreds of people in Millersburg.

The Enterprise Zone proposals were brought before the Commissioners by John Pascone, president of the Linn Economic Development Group.

CLTLab, which produces laminated wooden beams — some used in the new Portland airport remodeling project — is negotiating the purchase of 34 acres, will invest $122 million and create 75 jobs that pay more than 150% of Linn County’s average wages. The company will receive tax abatement for 15 years on its building and equipment investments.

It will, however, pay taxes on the county’s Law Enforcement Levy and Millersburg Public Safety Fee after five years.

A 10-year agreement with the same 5-year period for the Law Enforcement/Public Safety issues, was approved for Project Delorean.

The Fortune 500 company, which produces aluminum packaging, has purchased 47 acres and plans to invest $257 million and create 108 new jobs.

“It’s unbelievable to get two companies like this,” Pascone said.

Commissioner Nyquist praised the City of Millersburg’s economic development program and successes.

In other business, the Commissioners:

• Were told by Health Officer Dr. Adam Brady there were 64 births — 29 girls and 35 boys — and 107 deaths, including two suicides, in October.
• Approved an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Oregon Health Authority to extend the Alcohol and Drug Prevention and Education Program from June 30, 2025 to June 30, 2027, not to exceed amount increasing from $934,162 to $1,226,663.
• Amended an agreement between the Intercommunity Health Network and Linn County. IHN will reimburse Linn County $92,736.50 for services from January 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024. Linn County Maternal Child Health Nurses will provide advice and support to pregnant and recently delivered IHN members and children in their homes.
• Were informed by Juvenile Director Torri Lynn that in October, there were 29 young people from Linn County, six from Lincoln County and four from Benton County being held. There were 41 referrals, of which 22 were of criminal status. The Victim Advocate made 109 contacts and there are 176 youth in the probation unit.
• Approved a Temporary Part-Time Employment Agreement with Jerry York as a Sheriff’s Maintenance Worker. York retired, but is coming back to work 30 hours per week, until a new staff member is hired.
• Received a report about the 2024 Linn County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management Program from LCSO Emergency Manager Rick Lentz.
• Announced that the Commissioners will be at the Association of Oregon Counties annual meeting in Eugene this week and no meeting will be held Thanksgiving Week.

Media contact: Alex Paul, Linn County Communications Officer, 541-967-3825 or email apaul@co.linn.or.us.