The big news in Fairmont this week is in economic development, with Zierke Built Manufacturing of Winnebago planning a move to Fairmont by spring. The company would relocate into the former US Foods building at 1500 Winnebago Ave. following renovations. Zierke would bring with it 35 to 40 employees, with plans to add an additional 30 in the next three years.

Zierke is asking the city for a 10-year property tax abatement, which means Zierke would pay its taxes and then have them rebated back, to the tune of $155,000 per year for the 10 years. The rebate would serve as incentive to move to Fairmont and allow Zierke to renovate the site on Winnebago Avenue. It needs about $500,000 in work.

Fairmont Economic Development Authority board members approve of the plan, and have forwarded it to the City Council. We cannot imagine why the council would reject the proposal. It is one of the bigger opportunities to come up in a while in terms of getting a manufacturer to move to town, bringing along a potential 75 jobs. That is great news for Fairmont.

The city would lose some tax revenue over the course of the deal, but the longer-term gains in taxes, tax base and employment are well worth it.

Any worries about the company actually doing what it says it will do can be addressed in the agreement; a deal we see as a win for all involved.