Temple Terrace officials tout tax breaks to lure new businesses

In its continuing search for job providers, Temple Terrace is armed with a new business tax incentive to make it a more attractive place to live and work, city leaders said.

Last week, voters overwhelmingly approved a referendum to give the city council authority to allow tax breaks to attract new business.

The measure passed with 70 percent voter approval.

Temple Terrace Mayor Joe Affronti was elated.

"I'm proud of our citizens," Affronti said. "It puts us in a competitive posture with Hillsborough County, Plant City and Tampa."

Similar programs are in place in Tampa, Plant City and the county.

Under the Temple Terrace program, qualifying companies, mainly those that choose to relocate to the city, will get a 50 percent to 75 percent reduction in their property taxes.

Expanding business also will be eligible for the exemption based on added improvements and increased tangible property value.

Councilman Bob Boss considered the passage of business tax exemptions a quality of life issue, making it easier to attract new employers and residents.

"Temple Terrace is a great community," Boss said. "It has such a family atmosphere. It's a secret that we would like to get out to everyone."

Councilman Ron Govin also foresees big opportunities ahead for the city, he said.

"We have great space in Telecom (Park, off East Fletcher Avenue) for large companies to relocate there," Govin said. "This will put us in a situation where we are competitive."

Temple Terrace held the only municipal election in Hillsborough County last week. All city voters — regardless of party affiliation — could go to the polls to cast ballots on the proposed economic development tax incentive program. Of 9,667 registered voters in Temple Terrace, 2,744 voted on the referendum.

Elsewhere in the county, polls were open for Republicans to choose a presidential nominee.