I believe that back in the 80’s, Bexar County in TX gave Levis a 10 year tax exemption on a new factory. Levis built the factory and ran it exactly 10 years and closed it when the tax kicked in.
A city Councilman came to my door to ask for my vote. I asked him about a FIFTEEEN year tax abatement they had just offered a large company to help them stay afloat. (This was during the recession (depression) in Michigan)
He said they needed it to stay in business and keep 500 people employed. I told him I didn’t disagree with the offer, but that fifteen years was sort of insane. Economic cycles come and go. In five years, they’ll either be gone or thriving. I asked why they didn’t give a five year abatement with an option for two more after a thorough financial review.
He had no answer for me. He got no vote from me.