The Jefferson County Commission approved an economic‑development incentive package that will fund a Publix‑anchored retail center in the Kimberly area. Three commissioners—Lashunda Scales, Joe Knight and Sheila Tyson—voted in favor of rebating up to 1% of the county’s sales tax to Blackwater Real Estate Kimberly, LLC. The rebate is capped at $1 million or a five‑year term, whichever comes first.
Commission leadership raises concerns
Commission President Jimmie Stephens, who questioned the funding mechanism, abstained from the vote. Stephens said, “I am concerned about some of the wording of the document. I am for the project, 110 percent, but I’m not comfortable with our agreement as written.” He noted that portions of the county’s sales tax are earmarked for special uses such as schools and indigent care, and rebating that money could reduce funds for those obligations.
After the committee meeting, Stephens and Commissioner Scales met with county staff to seek clarification. County Attorney Theo Lawson explained that the rebate will be performance‑based, tied to the amount of sales tax the development actually generates. “Amendment 772 authorizes public dollars to be given to private projects, which of course has a benefit to the public,” Lawson said. “In this instance, the amount to be given to the business will be determined by the amount of sales tax they would generate. Plain and simple.”
Economic impact and community benefits
County Economic Development Adviser Jeff Traywick highlighted the projected benefits. The project is expected to create 67 jobs with an average wage of $16.64 per hour. Over a ten‑year horizon, the county anticipates about $1.8 million in general‑fund revenue and roughly $3.8 million in educational revenue.
“We don’t do incentive packages for retail very often because retail usually goes where it needs to go without public assistance,” Traywick said. “What we look for are projects that need some level of assistance to move forward and have a transformative impact on the county.” He added that the Kimberly site faces adverse conditions that increase costs, but the development will bring a high‑quality grocery store to an area that currently lacks one, directly tackling the local food‑desert issue.
Local reaction and next steps
While the commission’s vote moves the project forward, community members and local officials will continue to monitor the implementation of the rebate. The performance‑based structure means the county will receive a portion of the sales tax generated, ensuring that public funds are tied to measurable economic activity.
Commission President Stephens’ abstention underscores the importance of transparency and fiscal responsibility when public dollars are directed toward private development. County officials say the agreement includes safeguards to protect school and indigent‑care funding while still delivering jobs and grocery access to Kimberly residents.
The retail center is slated to break ground later this year, with construction expected to create additional temporary jobs and stimulate local businesses. Residents can look forward to a new shopping destination that promises both convenience and a modest boost to the county’s tax base.
Original reporting: BirminghamWatch — read the source article.
