Council approves 5-year tax abatement for Forest Park Apartments amid debate over water-bill standing

The Jackson City Council voted to grant a partial ad valorem tax exemption of 40 mills for five years to Forest Park Apartments, a developer-led rehabilitation project completed Dec. 31, 2024.

Michael Davis of the Office of Economic Development explained the tax-impact calculation and said the increment value induced by the development was "a little over $8,000,000," which after assessment yielded an abatement amount the office estimated as roughly $40,000 per year ("over a 5 year period, we're talking about right at 200 and some thousand"). The council discussed the size of the abatement and competing city priorities such as police and city services.

Councilman Foote proposed an amendment making the 40-mill exemption contingent on the property being current with Jackson Water; the amendment failed on a 3-4 vote. The council then voted on the original abatement motion; the item passed with 4 votes in favor, 2 opposed and 1 abstention.

Opponents criticized the scale of the abatement given city fiscal needs; supporters said the exemption was part of a prior council agreement and an economic-development tool to preserve and renovate housing. Administration representatives noted the city was carrying forward commitments made by the previous council.

Council asked staff to confirm the property's standing with Jackson Water; administration said staff were following up and would report back.