County asked to consider incentives

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December 14, 2016 - 12:00 AM

Darrell Monfort asked Allen County commissioners Tuesday morning to consider initiating an effort to help Iola and other towns in the county counteract the loss of commercial business.

“Iola isn’t unique,” Monfort, who owns and operates Red Barn Veterinary Clinic, said. “I’ve traveled quite a bit in Kansas and Oklahoma recently” and found many towns, small and large, had suffered abandonments of downtown businesses.

His suggestion is that the county consider tax incentives to help new owners of established businesses as they attempt to keep their concerns alive and well. “Maybe a five-year tax abatement would help,” Monfort said. “The first few years are the toughest for a new owner.” Monfort’s plan would not ignore fledgling business, which already qualify for tax considerations, but also would help those that are in place when their owners find it time to retire.

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