Bowden town council has rejected a request by a home builder for a tax break on a house that may be built in the town.
However, in the same breath, council did say it would be open to the idea of possible tax breaks for the construction of several homes.
Council made that decision during its regular council meeting last week.
Earlier, the town received this email: “I understand the town has given incentive tax relief packages to another party for spec home starts. We would strongly consider spec building another home in Bowden if we would be allowed the same incentive.”
The town did not reveal the name of the home builder who asked for that tax break.
Last year, the town entered into a development agreement to develop a six-lot subdivision in south Bowden, called Destination Greens Phase 1B.
In that agreement, the developer was given a five-year tax break on the municipal portion of each lot's property taxes. That offer was also extended to include the first homeowner within that five-year time frame.
During discussion on this latest request, Bowden chief administrative officer Andy Weiss said such tax breaks do have an impact – the town foregoes those taxes for a long period, not only from the builder but the first homeowner as well.
Coun. Paul Webb suggested the following motion: “that we're not in the habit of granting one-of-a-kind spec homes for tax relief, but that we're more than prepared to look at concrete plans for multiple (home) development.”
Council passed that motion unanimously.
Deputy Mayor Wayne Milaney said the request was puzzling.
“Utilities and taxes are a way of life,” he said.
