Lee County commissioners met on Monday and approved a new incentives package worth as much as $46 million in tax rebates for an unnamed manufacturing company that is evaluating a $1 billion investment in Sanford. The package is intended to keep roughly 1,950 full‑time positions in the county, each paying an average salary of about $65,500.
Incentive details and conditions
The county will make twelve annual payments that together could cover about 80 % of the property taxes the company would owe, provided the firm follows through on its investment and job‑creation commitments. To qualify, the company must invest the full $1 billion and maintain the agreed‑upon workforce levels.
Local reaction
Sanford resident Michelle Eaves voiced concern during the public‑comment period, urging the board to delay approval until more transparency is provided. “Residents deserve as much transparency as legally possible regarding the company, the project, its resource requirements and the protections contained in the agreement,” Eaves said. She emphasized that the community is not opposed to economic development, but wants assurance that taxpayer money is used responsibly.
Economic context
Lee County has been competing with other regions to attract the project, which officials refer to as “Project Paragon.” Jimmy Randolph, chief executive of the Sanford Area Growth Alliance, told commissioners that the county’s offer is “highly competitive” and hopes it will persuade the company to locate in Sanford rather than elsewhere.
Historically, Lee County has highlighted the promise of “creating” jobs when courting large projects. In this case, officials stress that the incentives are meant to “maintain” existing jobs, suggesting that many of the positions may already be filled by workers in the county or state.
Potential candidates
Three firms have more than 1,000 employees in Lee County, according to Commerce Department data: drugmaker Pfizer, poultry producer Pilgrim’s Pride, and construction‑equipment manufacturer Caterpillar. Sanford city council members Chris Petty and Walter Ferguson indicated that the jobs would be new to the city, but declined to name the company. Pfizer’s operations are already within Sanford’s limits, and Pilgrim’s Pride has denied any connection to Project Paragon.
Caterpillar operates a facility just outside Sanford’s tax jurisdiction and has not responded to requests for comment. The company announced in May that it would add 600 jobs at its Lee County plant, which could align with the job‑maintenance goals of the incentive package.
State involvement
A spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Commerce declined to confirm whether the state’s Economic Investment Committee is reviewing incentives for Project Paragon, noting that the department does not discuss site‑selection conversations until a company makes a public announcement.
Lee County’s decision adds to a $39.5 million incentive plan approved last week by the Sanford City Council, bringing the total public‑sector support for the project to over $85 million.
Looking ahead
County officials say the incentives are a critical tool in a competitive national landscape where communities vie for large‑scale manufacturing projects. The next steps will involve monitoring the company’s progress toward its investment and employment targets, as well as ensuring that any public funds are accounted for in accordance with state law.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
