GF School Board delays vote on Olive Ann tax incentive

The Grand Forks School Board approved a series of tax incentives for the proposed Fufeong Group corn milling project last night (Monday) but stopped short of endorsing tax breaks for the Olive Ann Boutique Hotel.

After a lengthy discussion members sent the request for payment in lieu of taxes back to a committee for further review.

Several board members say it’s hard to justify asking taxpayers for more money given the district’s budget woes yet approve tax breaks in the name of economic development. They also requested more financial information regarding the viability of the project.

City administrator Todd Feland says there’s a fine line when it comes to private investment which is why the city hired a third party financial consultant to review the request.  “You are a policy making board and if we are going to start getting down to the details into every deal I think we will grind things to a halt…and we will lose opportunities.”

The board’s finance committee will further discuss the request at a meeting on February 1st.