Changes are made to tax credit program
The Washington County Commissioners on Tuesday loosened requirements of a business tax credit program in hopes of attracting more jobs to the county.
The County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the changes to the New Jobs Tax Credit program.
The Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission (EDC) recommended the changes.
The program provides eligible companies with credits on the county's real property and business personal property taxes, according to information provided by the county. The credits are a graduated amount over a six-year period, according to the county.
Under the changes, a company will be eligible by building or leasing construction space of 10,000 square feet, down from 30,000 square feet; creating at least 25 new jobs, down from 50 new jobs; and 50 percent of the jobs must pay at least 135 percent of the average weekly wage per worker in the county, down from at least 150 percent.
