Sebring, Fla. — The Highlands County, Fla., Commission voted 5-0 last week to grant a property tax break to Howard Fertilizer and Chemical Co., who will build a new dry fertilizer plant in the county. The company promised to bring 26 full-time jobs paying between $35,498/y and $100,000/y to run the operation in a county with an average wage of $28,399. The county agreed to give up 72.65 percent of the property tax for 10 years if the company makes good on its promise. The total tax forgiveness for the 10 years would amount to $165,000. The project will bring an investment of $33.9 million into the county. The company said the blending plant was expected to go into operation in September, and that it will close its existing facility in Orlando. The purpose of the move is to place the plant closer to citrus and other agricultural operations. Howard blends fertilizers for lawn and turf, as well as commercial agriculture.
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