Well, in Goldsboro at least. Funny, we’re continuing to say that growth doesn’t pay for itself and then giving incentives away to grow. . . And this makes sense to whom?
Despite the protests of several people in the audience, the Wayne County Board of Commissioners proceeded Tuesday morning to unanimously approve $100,000 in incentives for AT&T.
Of those funds, $75,000 will come from a cash grant, while $25,000 will come from property tax refunds over the next three years.
An identical incentive plan was approved last week by the Goldsboro City Council. The Wayne County Development Alliance also agreed to a $100,000 grant — paid for by privately raised funds — while the N.C. Rural Economic Development Center agreed to a $300,000 one.
Of note, it’s illegal to use the word “rebate” so they have to use words like “cash grant” and “refund”. Ernie Pearson of Parton Theater fame spent the last few years helping counties give away money without breaking the law on that front.
