Let Us In

Opinions vary on what the city/county can do when a property such as the paper mill or steel mill is sold.  People will tell you that it is private property and the local government has no roll in how the property is sold.  Although it is true, private property owners can sell their property as they wish, local governments can play a very big role in the transaction.

Before any prospective buyer agrees to plunk down millions to set up a new business, they will insist on signing a FILOT.  This acronym stands for Fee In Lieu Of Taxes.  Liberty Steel signed one before they bought the steel mill, if you would like a copy, you can google it.  A FILOT agreement spells out what the city/county is willing to give in the form of lower property taxes and what the purchaser is willing to do in exchange, such as guaranteeing employment for a period.

This is a standard practice and gives the city/county plenty of leverage in helping guide the transfer of the property and how it is used.  Seldom, if ever will a company enter into a purchase agreement without a FILOT since they would have to pay the going rate for taxes and utilities. The city/county would be able to raise their rated every year just like they do for private citizens.

The city/county officials are elected by the citizens, and it is their responsibility to represent them.  The best way to do this is through an open, transparent process.  Any company that insists on being totally secretive before having a done deal, is concerning.  What happens with the closed mills will have an impact on this city and its citizen for years to come.  I am calling on our elected officials to please open the process and let us be involved, after all, it is our city.

Jay Doyle

Candidate for Mayor

The Forward Party

Georgetown, SC