By Andie Foley
andie.foley@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — In hopes to attract expansion for an existing Salisbury manufacturing company, the City Council on Tuesday could approve amendments to an Oct. 2-approved incentive grant.

The business incentive was approved during the council’s first October meeting and was then expected to bring the city $68 million in investment and 59 new jobs.

But changes in the company’s plans have since reduced both numbers. The expansion is now valued at $45.2 million, and 35 jobs are expected.

While original investment numbers qualified the company for a Level 2 economic incentive grant, or an 80 percent return on property taxes paid, the lower investment meant the request would need to be amended to Level 1.

Under a Level 1 grant, the city will return 75 percent of property taxes paid: a total of $1.1 million over five years. It will retain $366,997.

Rowan County approved a similar property tax reprieve for the company on Jan. 22.

Other items on Tuesday’s agenda include:

• The council will hear findings from its Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Auditing agent Elliott Davis, PLLC prepared the report, which analyzes the financial condition of the city and presents any findings of non-compliance or problems identified during the audit.

• The council will consider a text amendment to allow for uncommon sign requests.

The amendment will allow businesses within community and institution zones abutting Interstate 85 right-of-ways to petition for electronic message center signs as accessories to on-premise, free-standing signs.

• The council will consider a rezoning request for the future site of the Rowan Cancer Care Center, to be named the Wallace Cancer Center.

The rezoning is of 3.75 acres at the corner of Mocksville and Mahaley avenues. It will move the property from general residential zoning to hospital services with a conditional district overlay to accommodate a 30,000-square-foot, single-story medical facility and 130 parking spaces.

• The council will consider right-of-way approval sidewalk and lane closure of the 200 block of West Innes street from Feb. 11 to March 15.

The request accommodates repair of louvers in the towers of the St. John’s Lutheran Church sanctuary, with closures occurring from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will affect westbound traffic.

• The council will consider engaging with a lobbyist to develop a federal agenda for the city.

Lobbyist The Ferguson Group is requesting a $5,000 per month contract with up to $2,000 in reimbursable expenses to provide the city strategic advice and assistance in engaging federal officials and stakeholders for capital improvement plans.