News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Baxter officials have issued a certificate of occupancy (CO) for Portobello America, allowing them to test equipment in the building.
Codes Official Bob Lane told the Board of Aldermen Thursday that the temporary CO will serve the company until January. He said with all of the uncertainties, they wanted to be sure Portobello could progress as much as possible until it is ready to start its full operation.
“This is a massive, massive plant and unless you go in there and see how much equipment we’re talking about, we’re talking about thousands and thousands of pieces of equipment and this has all got to be put together and tested to make sure it will work,” Lane said. “And this is a massive, massive undertaking. So if anything, this should help them.”
Lane said delays have continually pushed back the grand opening, from supply chain issues to electricity issues. He said a good estimate for opening could be sometime around September or even October.
Lane said in the meantime, utility extensions to the manufacturing plant are complete. He said Portobello should be set to have water use by Friday.
“We just finished the lift station on the south side of the interstate, we should allow them to turn water by tomorrow we hope,” Lane said. “And that is a big plus. They do have water on at their building, and this will also allow them to have sewer.”
In other business, the Baxter Board of Aldermen approved on second reading its new fiscal year budget. The budget includes money for state aid infrastructure projects and potential grant monies for a farmer’s market.
The aldermen also approved the implementation of a three percent hotel/motel tax. City Recorder Sharon Carlile said they will put the funds generated from the tax toward= economic development.
