The Fond du Lac County Board last night passed three resolutions that establish the biggest chunk of city-county incentives designed to keep Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac. The county will borrow up to $50 million to use as incentives to retain the outboard motor maker. The annual debt on that loan will primarily be paid through a half-percent county sales tax, which also was created by board action.
County Supervisor Herb Ottery was in the minority believing the county should have weathered the storm and let the company decide its own fate.
County Supervisor Jim Kiser, a local organizer of taxpayer relief rallies, found himself actually voting for the sales tax. He says it was preferable to putting the burden on property taxes to save the county’s largest employer.
Tonight the Fond du Lac City Council will consider $3 million in incentives for Mercury Marine.
Contributed by Bob Nelson-KFIZ
