Industrial Revenue Bonds
Industrial Revenue Bonds and Economic Development Bonds provide a
financing method for economic development projects. Bonds can be issued
by the County Council which then loans the proceeds to a private
company. The company issues a promissory note and the bonds are payable
from the payment on the note only. The issuer, the County Council, has
no liability.
There are state laws and procedures, as well as
federal laws that must be followed for the bonds to qualify as
tax-exempt. The applicant must hire its own bond attorney to provide
representation through the approval process.
The use of bonds has
decreased in recent years due to low interest rates and readily
available private financing which make tax-exempt financing less
attractive. However, it is still advantageous for some projects. Those
interested in exploring this financing method are urged to first seek
the advice of a financial consultant or bond counsel to determine its
suitability for the particular project.