Rachelle Haughn, Commercial Review city reporter

A vote could mean 27 new jobs at a Portland industry.

Members of the Portland City Council have approved a tax abatement request for Jay Products, 0086 East 100 North - a move the company says will allow an increase in its workforce.

Salaries for the 27 new jobs are expected to total $779,490.

The request was approved Monday night by the council following a recommendation from the Portland Tax Abatement Advisory Committee, which met prior to the council.

The five-year tax abatement is for $1,039,344 in equipment being moved to Portland from a plant in Blissfield, Mich.

Company officials decided to move some of the equipment and production to Portland because Jay County's business climate is healthier, a local economic development official said.

Bill Bradley, Jay County Development Corp. executive director, said at the Sept. 21 council meeting that the company requested the abatement because the equipment being moved to Portland will be new to the tax rolls.
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