Bryan up next for Celina at
HALLiday hoops tournament
By TIMOTHY COX
tcox@dailystandard.com
ST. MARYS — AAP St. Marys Corp. is expanding again.
The automotive wheel-maker that is a supplier to Honda is adding
new equipment and hiring more people at its McKinley Road plant.
St. Marys City Council members meeting Monday passed first reading
of an ordinance approving a tax abatement agreement as an incentive
for the company’s $6 million expansion.
AAP has expanded several times since opening in St. Marys in
1988. When the company opened, it employed about 150; today,
there are more than 400 on the job there.
The tax abatement agreement — which still must be approved
by Auglaize County Commissioners — forgives 50 percent
of taxes on personal property for 10 years. AAP promises to
invest $6 million in new equipment and add 10 full-time jobs.
Just six weeks ago, city council members gave final approval
to amend AAP’s last tax abatement agreement with the city
to reflect higher-than-expected investment. That expansion was
to include $6.1 million in new equipment but the company ended
up investing more than $8 million. An amended agreement was
necessary for the company to take advantage of tax breaks on
the extra investment.
Also during a busy session Monday, council members approved
collective bargaining agreements with two city unions and set
pay raises and other benefits for non-union workers.
A contract with the Ohio Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association,
which represents nine police patrolmen, grants 3 percent pay
raises annually. A contract with the Utility Workers Union of
America, which represents 55 utility and general service positions
in the city, gives 3.5 percent raises each year.
Police employees and administration supervisory staff not covered
by the union contracts also will see 3 percent pay raises under
terms of separate ordinances.
All of the employment contracts run for three years.
In other business Monday, council members:
• Passed an emergency ordinance accepting the annexation
of a 4.51-acre parcel owned by Louis and Beatrice Borger in
St. Marys Township. County commissioners already have approved
the annexation.
• Tabled discussion on the 2004 budget appropriations.
• Passed final reading of an ordinance clarifying terms
of the permit process for parades and public assemblies.
• Passed final reading of a lease agreement with TSC Communications,
Wapakoneta, to use certain city-owned utility conduit.
• Passed final reading of an ordinance amending the timeline
for a tax abatement for T.G. Finetech, a Japanese firm that
has delayed its plans to build in the industrial park.
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