Carson City's Board of Supervisors will be asked Thursday to sign a letter of support asking the state Commission on Economic Development to grant sales tax incentives to urge Harley-Davidson Financial Services not to relocate.
The company employs 425 people at its largest subsidiary office in Carson on Technology Way, but needs to relocate when its lease expires in November 2004, said company spokeswoman Laurie Cole
While Carson anticipates the company will build a new facility within city limits, Cole said the future location is still up in the air.
"We are very committed to Nevada," Cole said. "But we're not announcing the site we might be considering. We're not prepared to do that right now."
Harley-Davidson Financial Services has branch offices in Chicago and Texas, but Carson is its largest site. The company provides programs including financing, extended-service and protection plans, insurance and a Harley-Davidson Visa card.
City Manager Linda Ritter will ask the board to support the state tax incentives for a new building, which "represents a sizable investment in Carson City."
"It's just a letter of support," Ritter said. "We want to support our businesses."
The company payroll represents $15 million. If the incentives are approved, the city would lose $235,125 in a one-time sales tax abatement purchase and $108,955 over a 10-year period in city property taxes, Ritter estimated.
IF YOU GO
What: Carson City Board of Supervisors meeting
When: 8:30 a.m. Thursday
Where: Sierra Room, Carson City Community Center, 851 E. William St.
