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HomeMy WebLinkAbout17-044RESOLUTION NUMBER 2017-044 A RESOLUTION BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FLORIDA, RECOMMENDING MAVERICK BOAT GROUP, INC. BE APPROVED AS A QUALIFIED TARGET INDUSTRY BUSINESS PURSUANT TO SECTION 288.106, FLORIDA STATUTES; AFFIRMING THIS IS A MANUFACTURING PROJECT; REQUESTING A WAIVER OF THE AVERAGE WAGE REQUIREMENT OF SECTION 288.106(4)(b)1.a, FLORIDA STATUTES; PROVIDING FOR LOCAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT IN THE FORM OF CASH; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. is a marine manufacturing business located in St. Lucie County with over thirty (30) years in the industry and an employment base in excess of 280 employees, and WHEREAS, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. is seeking to expand operations with a new facility in close proximity to their existing operations. This facility will encompass more than 100,000 square feet of space and employ an additional 100 new employees at an average wage of $35,000.00. The company's expansion will increase its existing contributions to the community with additional direct and indirect effects to our small businesses; additional ad valorem taxes to the County; and job creation for County residents; and, WHEREAS, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. plans to expand operations with a new facility, retaining over 280 employees and the creation of 100 new jobs in St. Lucie County; and, WHEREAS, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. has been identified as a Target Industry Business; and, WHEREAS, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. intends to locate in a facility in close proximity to their existing site in St. Lucie County; and, WHEREAS, as a manufacturing project, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. is eligible to receive a waiver of the average wage requirement as authorized by Section 288.106(4)(b)1.b, Florida Statutes; and, WHEREAS, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. will commit to pay an average annual wage of $35,000.00, which is 101% of the St. Lucie County average wage; and, WHEREAS, Maverick Boat Group, Inc. hereby acknowledges that local financial support of 20% of the total tax refund is required under the provisions of s.288.106, Florida Statutes, governing the State's Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners of St. Lucie County, Florida, as follows: A. The Board hereby recommends Maverick Boat Group, Inc. be approved as a Qualified Target Industry Business pursuant to Section. 288.106, Florida Statutes. B. The Board requests a waiver of the average wage requirement of Section 288.106(4)(b)1.a, Florida Statutes, because the marine industry is a major economic driver in the Treasure Coast region. The economic significance of recreational boating in Florida's Congressional 18 District provides a total economic impact of over $619 million, with a business base of 410 companies employing over 3,000 residents (Source: 2014 Abstract — 2014 National Marine Manufacturers Association). The Port St. Lucie MSA currently has an unemployment rate of 5.2% with a high percentage of entry level talent in this industry. The waiver will allow the company to move forward with the hiring of 100 new employees and provide customized and proprietary training. C. A cash commitment of local financial support for the Qualified Target Industry Tax Refund Program exists for Maverick Boat Group, Inc. in the amount of $100,000.00. This amount will be made available in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Department of Economic Opportunity with the stipulation that these funds are intended to represent local financial support pursuant to Section 288.106, Florida Statutes. D. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon its adoption. After motion and second, the vote on the resolution was as follows: Chairman Chris Dzadovsky AYE Vice Chairman Tod Mowery AYE Commissioner Linda Bartz AYE Commissioner Frannie Hutchinson AYE Commissioner Cathy Townsend AYE PASSED DULY ADOPTED on this 28th day of March 2017. ATTEST: Depu Clerk BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ST. LUCIE COUNTY, F A B Y: Chaff an APPROVED AS TO FORM CORRECT-14ESS _ County Attor A