City supports Rotek expansion

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by Brent Hovey

Reporter

Aurora -- The city continues to take steps to keep one of its largest employers from moving.

At City Council's April 28 session, members passed two ordinances in an effort to convince Rotek to stay here and not move to Kentucky.

Rotek plans a $90 million expansion, but is also considering leaving for Florence, Ky., just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati.

The first item passed will have the city and Rotek entering into a Community Reinvestment Area, in which Rotek will receive a 15-year, 100 percent tax abatement.

Finance Director Bob Paul said of the proposed $90 million expansion, $17 million is for real estate and $73 million for equipment. Only the real estate falls under the abatement.

Rotek would receive $3.4 million in tax abatement during the 15 years.

The other ordinance will allow the allocation of up to $450,000 of the budgeted 2008 road paving program to improve Route 43 in front of the plant.

The plan is to widen Route 43 to include a left-turn lane and deceleration lane.

Mayor Lynn McGill said he has already found a way to allocate $200,000. He feels confident the city can get a grant to cover remaining costs, perhaps later this year.

Len Osborne, president of Rotek, said the current two-lane setup of Route 43 doesn't lend itself well for future expansion.

"It's not suitable for what we want to be and what we will grow into," he said. "What we're looking for is a single turning lane and more space for large vehicles coming in."

McGill said all other projects scheduled in the road paving program will go forward even with the extra money needed for the Route 43 project.

The ordinances are pending Rotek's decision to stay in Aurora. Osborne said officials likely will make a decision by the middle of May.

E-mail:

bhovey@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3115