SEBASTIAN — Business owners and residents are encouraged to attend an economic workshop at City Hall tonight to help create a game plan to grow Sebastian’s economy.
The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. and will address a variety of issues, including the details of a tax break the city can offer to new and expanding businesses. Participants could help determine under what conditions businesses qualify for the tax breaks.
Along with debating the tax abatement referendum, officials are also expected to bring up other possible incentives to entice businesses to move into the city or to expand.
Such incentives could include temporary suspensions in compliance for non-public safety development issues and relaxing other rules that might otherwise hinder a business in opening.
Vice Mayor Jim Hill has also asked that the city consider appointing a member of staff to serve as a point-person for incoming and expanding business owners. The staff member would act as a liaison of sorts, helping developers navigate the permitting process.
While no firm decisions will be made during the workshop, the Sebastian City Council is expected to take the suggestions and recommendations from the workshop under consideration for vote sometime in the future.