The Hamilton County Commission unanimously approved its portion of $9 million worth of tax breaks the city and county is giving to Amazon.com, which is considering opening distribution facilities in Hamilton and Bradley counties.
Fred Kiga, the director of policy for the Seattle-based company, asked the commission for its “favorable consideration” in approving the 11 year payment in lieu of taxes agreement, which is expected to create 1,249 full time jobs, with average wages of more than $30,000 a year. Kiga said during holiday periods, the company’s payroll will swell to between 2,200 and 2,500 jobs.
“We’ve received such a favorable desire to engage and collaborate with us,” Kiga told the commission. “We have a few hurdles to get through so we can create this transaction. We are very impressed by your community and your state.”
Trevor Hamilton, vice president of economic development for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, said the company would continue to pay 100 percent of school taxes under the deal.