City Council is on the brink of approving three economic development deals that would bring 1,374 new jobs to the area while retaining another 350 in exchange for $9.3 million in taxpayer incentives.
The council Finance Committee on Wednesday approved the three deals, setting up a final vote Tuesday.
In all, the city would be committed for $7.6 million of the incentives while the state would be responsible for the remaining $1.7 million.
The largest deal is for Project Velo, an unnamed company seeking to bring a 1 million-square-foot distribution facility to Cecil Commerce Center.
The company by the end of 2019 would add 1,200 new jobs, 325 of which would have a $50,000 average wage.
The city would be committed for $7 million of the incentives. That comprises a $195,000 share of Qualified Targeted Industry grant for the higher-wage jobs; $200,000 through a local training grant; and a $6.7 million Recapture Enhanced Value grant paid over 10 years for tangible property increases.
The state would pick up the remaining $1.2 million for its QTI share and a training grant.
The unnamed company also plans make a capital investment of at least $11.5 million through equipment, land and furniture purchases along with real estate improvements.
The center, as described in city documents, will be a distribution hub for a “diverse array of products.”
The next largest deal is for a well-known company in North Jacksonville.
Safariland makes protective apparel and equipment for law enforcement, military and public safety. Its headquarters and 350 employees are in town.
The company is seeking $876,400 to create 152 new jobs and retain existing employees.
The city would pay $432,000, comprising $52,000 for a QTI, $200,000 for a training grant and $180,000 from a tax increment infrastructure grant paid through the Jacksonville International Airport Community Redevelopment Area.
The state would contribute $444,000 for its QTI share and two training grants, one geared toward veterans.
Safariland plans to spend at least $2.5 million for furniture and manufacturing equipment as part of the expansion.
The smallest of the three would be a headquarters relocation.
Campers Holding Corp. and Campers in Management Co. are seeking to move its operations base from Kingston, N.H., to either Jacksonville or Charlotte, and create 22 jobs with an average wage of $66,000.
Campers Inn is a holding company and parent for 17 operating companies including 15 Campers Inn RV dealerships. One is in Jacksonville at 10626 General Ave. on the Westside.
To make the deal happen, the city would provide $26,400 for the jobs through a QTI grant while the state pays the remaining $105,600. In all, incentives total $132,000.
The RV company would make a $195,000 investment in infrastructure improvements at its location.
Each deal was approved by the committee Wednesday without comments.
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