INDIANAPOLIS–Eli Lilly is asking the city of Indianapolis for a $10 million tax break, and they may get it. A City-County Council committee approved the tax break after hearing from Eli Lilly reps Monday night.
While the company won’t say whether there will be more jobs created, they are planning to build another $90 million facility. The tax abatement would apply to the new building, which will be used primarily for research into insulin products.
“They are being courted by other entities, other countries. It is refreshing to know their commitment to Indianapolis remains steadfast,” said Angela Smith-Jones, the deputy mayor for economic development in Indianapolis.
The company has been in Indiana for 144 years. Company representatives talked about their commitment to the state, including charity donations. Lilly provides about 30 percent of the United Way of Central Indiana’s budget.
A brief exchange between a councilor and Lilly representative Michael O’Connor involved that councilor saying she is concerned about “layoffs”. O’Connor stated that there were no layoffs and some people took early retirement in 2017.
Some people on the council believe the tax break will help secure the commitment of both parties and keep the company in Indiana. The full council must now vote on the tax break.
WISH TV’s Eric Feldman contributed to this story.
PHOTO: WISH TV
