Warrenton aldermen will meet Thursday evening for a follow-up discussion on a proposal to establish a “Missouri Enhanced Enterprise Zone" (EEZ) along the Interstate 70 corridor in Warren County. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall. The plan was presented to the board during its regular meeting last week but the issue was tabled after several board members expressed concerns about a narrow time frame and potential negative impacts the EEZ could have on Warrenton. Steve Etcher, executive director of the Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, outlined the EEZ concept for the board. He explained that designating an area of the county as an EEZ can be beneficial in terms of attracting new businesses — particularly manufacturers — to the area. “One of the first questions companies ask is whether they will be in an EEZ,” Etcher said. Companies which are located or that move into areas designated as EEZs can qualify for real property tax abatements. “I’m not a huge fan of tax abatements, but if it’s done appropriately and in moderation, it can be successful,” Etcher said. The Warren County Commission has taken the lead role in establishing the proposed EEZ. The commission has received commitments from several taxing entities responsible for nominating representatives — by title, not by name — to the county’s EEZ board. Etcher said participation by all taxing entities affected by the proposal is key to the plan’s success. CertainTeed, a building materials manufacturer which plans to construct a production and warehousing facility on property which is situated in both Warren and Montgomery Counties, already has filed an application to take advantage of an existing EEZ in Montgomery County. “This will benefit them if we get this in place (in Warren County),” Etcher remarked.He noted that the area in question qualifies for an EEZ designation based on poverty level, unemployment and household income figures from 2000 Census figures. But he stressed that the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) will be making new determinations soon on what areas could qualify using 2010 Census figures.Under the updated data, Warren County won’t qualify, Etcher said.However, should Warrenton decide not to participate, the plan will be dropped, Etcher said. Concerns Several aldermen expressed reservations with the plan. “When we have to claim an area as blighted, I think our citizens won’t appreciate that,” remarked Alderwoman Karen Casserly. “I don’t personally think that bodes well for the community.” Etcher stressed that the term “blighted” can be defined several ways, and he said under the proposal being discussed, the term refers to the areas economic potential. “This is an economic blight,” Etcher explained. “What that means is you have a piece of property that is not being used to its maximum potential economically.” “Blighted is an argument that your community is not a good community,” Casserly responded. “The city’s operations, for the most part, are sales tax driven,” asserted Alderman John Cornell. “If we’re incentivizing an area for manufacturing and heavy industry, all of a sudden, I see this area being taken by industries that won’t help our sales tax base. “Manufacturers need accessibility, not visibility,” Cornell added. “Retail businesses need visibility. I-70 is great for the future economic development of Warrenton.” “Every job created in the community creates economic opportunities,” Etcher said. “Land use planning and the market will determine future development.” “This is a critical concept,” said Alderman Gary Auch. “I’d like to do some research and get a feel for what we’re voting on.” Enterprise Zone map image