ERIN MCDANIEL
City of Newton
NEWTON, Kan. — At Tuesday night’s meeting, the Newton City Commission approved a resolution of intent to grant a three-year tiered tax abatement to Avcon Industries for its pending expansion into the former Mennonite Press building at Newton City/County Airport.
Avcon Industries President Marcus Abendroth said the company has been at the airport for about 40 years and now has about 70 employees in its aircraft modification, installation and repair operations. The company is in the process of acquiring the building at 532 N. Oliver to expand its fabrication capabilities.
The company’s total capital investment in the project is estimated at $1.23 million, with 10 new jobs created in the first five years. The tax abatement will exempt the property taxes on the increase in valuation created by the improvements, 75% in year 1, 50% in year 2, and 25% in year 3.
City staff are working with Avcon to draft a development agreement that the City Commission will consider at a future meeting.