Local Incentive Measures

Financing - The Houston County Development Authority offers an attractive alternative to conventional financing through the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRB’s). This financing mechanism can offer considerable savings for projects and the HCDA stands ready to guide qualified companies through this process. In addition to the bond financing, the HCDA can assist companies in exploring alternate financing programs such as those offered through the US Small Business Administration and the Georgia Small Business Lender, Incorporated.

Property Tax Schedule - The Houston County Development Authority, in cooperation with the Houston County Board of Tax Assessors, may develop a revised tax schedule for new Real and Personal property for qualifying projects. This approach is intended to offer the greatest benefit in the early years of the project with the company paying its full tax obligation at the final term of the bond. Projects must satisfy certain financial requirements as well as new job creation, payroll and capital investment thresholds in order to take advantage of this program.

Freeport Inventory Tax Exemptions –Raw materials and goods in process of manufacture, finished goods produced in Georgia within the last 12 months and held by the original manufacturer and finished goods destined for shipment out-of-state are all eligible for a 100% property tax exemption when destined for shipment outside Georgia.

Alternative Solutions – The HCDA Board of Directors will assess the overall economic impact each project to determine potential areas where additional incentive measures could be appropriate. Such incentives may range from requests for state grant assistance to discounted site costs for publicly owned industrial sites to other areas of consideration as identified by prospects during the site selection process.