Revel Enterprises Plans Expansion; Commission Okays PILOT Agreement

 
By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—The Henry County Commission Monday night approved the first stage of a PILOT agreement for Revel Enterprises to lease the spec building in the county’s industrial park which will enable the company to expand.
A PILOT agreement is an acronym for Payment In Lieu Of Taxes and is the same type of agreement that has been approved for other expanding businesses in the past.
County Industrial Committee CEO David Hamilton told the commission that Revel Enterprises is a rapidly-expanding business and currently employs 45 full-time employees people. With the expansion to the industrial park, plans are for the business to employ an additional 65 people, he said.
Revel Enterprises is investing some $2M in equipment and renovation of the building, he said. “It’s a great opportunity for them and it’s a great opportunity for the county,” he said.
Revel conducts two businesses: Revel Logging and Revel Enterprises. Revel Enterprises is an online fulfillment center for auto parts and that is the part of the business that is expanding.
The lease is for 15 years and the agreement spells out the requirements for the business to follow, such as it must maintain its current level of employment and create 65 more full-time jobs within five years.
County Mayor Brent Greer emphasized this is the first stage in the agreement and approval must also be reached by the city of Paris and the industrial board.
In other business:
–Greer and the commissioners congratulated County Trustee Randi French on her election as West Tennessee Trustee of the Year.
–Commissioners approved three Deputy County Coroners: Diane McGuire, Debbie Traver and Bruce Herrin. Greer explained that Craig Peevyhouse had tendered his resignation and it was decided the county should have three people able to serve in that capacity.
–Bruce Griffey of Paris, candidate for State Representative from the 75^th District, formally requested that the commission reconsider its position on the pending demolition of the Paris Landing Inn. The Inn is set for demolition in August and will be replaced with a smaller, more modern facility, according to state officials.
Photo: David Hamilton presents information on the PILOT agreement with Revel Enterprises to the commissioners. (Shannon McFarlin photo).