FARGO, N.D. (KFGO) – Fargo City Commissioners approved a tax break for Aldevron, a biotechnology company that is planning a major expansion of its South Fargo campus. But not before some disagreement between several commissioners.
Aldevron requested a PILOT for a new, state-of-the-art, 180,000 square foot manufacturing facility and a 20,000 square foot expansion of their existing facility in the Woodhaven Plaza addition.
Commissioner Tony Gehrig, a long-time opponent of most city tax breaks, who cast the only “no” vote, questioned company representative Brian Walters about whether the company would proceed with the project if it didn’t get the tax break. Gehrig didn’t blame the company for taking advantage of the tax break and said the breaks are a government problem, “and not a business problem.”
Walters said based on demand, Aldevron would go ahead with the project but said hesitation on the part of the city could influence future decisions by the company. He said that “might make the board interested in other places.”
Commissioner Dave Piepkorn was upset by Gehrig’s comments that such tax breaks would not be needed. He said Fargo is in competition with other cities to keep these businesses to come here and stay here. Without incentives, these businesses may not stay here.
The tax break will save Aldevron about $5-million over ten years. Aldevron’s project for building and equipment will cost around $72-million.
