Originally published in the 3/23/18 print edition of Yellowstone County News.
BILLINGS — Tax abatements awarded by the City of Billings and the County of Yellowstone over the past few years will generate an $8 billion direct and indirect economic impact on the community based upon the salaries of the jobs the new business growth created.
In an annual report to county officials regarding the status of the tax abatement program and the companies that have received tax relief through it, Patrick Klugman, senior project manager, Community Development for Big Sky Economic Development, highlighted the three companies that received abatements in the 2016-17 fiscal year. They were Home2Suites by Hilton, Billings Flying Service and Heights Eyecare. Two of the businesses expanded and one, Home 2Suites, was new.
In total, the businesses invested $17,098,795 in expanding and building their businesses.
Klugman explained that the tax breaks allow the companies to put more money into their facilities or to hire more employees at higher wages.
Besides the three tax abatements granted in 2016-17, there are about 30 others on the read more
