Source: Baker County Economic Development Department, 2007
Taxes
Property Tax
Taxing Entity*
Tax Rate / Per $100**
Baker County
1.7853
*Not all taxes would apply. Depends on location of business or home **All Property is Assessed @ 100% Valuation
Sales Tax
City
County
State
Special Purpose
None %
None %
None %
None %
State Taxes
Type
Rate
Administering Agency
Corporate Income Tax
6.60%
Department of Revenue
Personal Income Tax
9%
Department of Revenue
Unemployment Insurance Tax Rate
3% to 5.4%
Oregon Employment Department
Workers' Compensation Ins.
3.2 cents/hour
State
Employment / Unemployment
Average Hourly Wage Rates
Occupation Title
Average Starting Wage
Accountant
25.77
Civil Engineer
27.16
Programmer/Analyst
23.03
Retail Store Clerk
9.07
Stock Room Clerk
12.07
Executive Secretary
14.53
Receptionist
11.90
General Laborer
12.87
Hand Packer
11.70
Light Assembly
12.46
Material Handler
12.87
Warehouse Person
12.07
Fork Lift Operator
14.75
Machine Operator
13.13
Machine Maintenance
19.12
Machinist
15.62
Welder
12.54
Medical/Lab Technician
18.41
Electronic Technician
28.51
Network Technician
25.13
Unemployment Rate:
June 2007 - 5.5%
Source: Oregon Employment Department
Transportation
Highways
Interstate I-84
Highway 86
Highway 7
Highway 30
Highway 26
Motor Freight Carriers
FedEx Freight
Gary Smith Trucking
Oak Harbor Freight
UPS Freight
USF Reddaway
Rail Service
Union Pacific
Air Transportation
Nearest Airport
Miles from Airport
Baker City Municipal
3
Pendleton Regional
90
Boise National
130
Portland International
304
Location From Major Cities
Portland, Oregon
304
Bend, Oregon
247
Seattle, Washington
372
Yakima, Washington
252
Spokane, Washington
297
Reno, Nevada
542
Twin Falls, Idaho
253
Boise, Idaho
122
Sacramento, California
675
Salt Lake City, Utah
471
Cargo Handling at Nearby Airports
Airport
Annual Enplaned Tons
Annual Enplanements
Freight
Mail
Portland Industrial
275,798
11,823
13,879,701
Boise
N/A
N/A
2,871,210
Nearest Deep Water Ports
Name
Distance
City
Port of Morrow
130 miles
Boardman, OR
Port of Portland
302 miles
Portland, OR
Industrial / Business Development Sites Available
Name
Acreage
Elkhorn View Industrial Park
69
Ellingson Property-Broadway Site
29
Ellingson Property-David Eccles Site
40
Education
Name of Institution
Number of Students
Eastern Oregon University-Branch
60
Blue Mountain Community College-Br.
110
Baker High School
620
Baker Middle School
335
South Baker Elementary
336
North Baker Elementary
342
Brooklyn Elementary
321
Universities and Colleges
Name
Eastern Oregon University
Main Campus Location
La Grande, OR
Branch Campus Location
Baker City, OR
Type of Institution
Public University
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's
Degree Programs (Distance Learning Program only)
Fire Services Administration (BA/BS); Business Administration (BA/BS); Business Economics (BA/BS); Liberal Studies (BA/BS); Philosophy, Politics & Economics (BA/BS); Physical Education & Health (BA/BS); Psychology (BS); Master in Teacher Education; Master of Science Education
Universities and Colleges
Name
Blue Mountain Community College
Main Campus Location
Pendleton, OR
Branch Campus Location
Baker City, OR
Type of Institution
Community College
Degrees Offered
Associate's, Other Professional Certificates
Degree Programs (Distance Learning & local classes)
Associate of Applied Science Oregon Transfer Degree; Associate of Science Degree; Associate of Applied Science Degree; Certificates of Completion for Accounting Technician, Dental Assisting, Education, Hospitality & Tourism, Office Assistant, Office Assistant/Medical
K-12 Education
Elementary
School District
# of Schools
Enrollment
Pupil/Teacher Ratio
Baker School District 5-J
5
999
24 to 1
Middle School/Junior High
School District
# of School
Enrollment
Pupil/Teacher Ratio
Baker School District 5-J
1
335
22 to 1
High School
School District
# of School
Enrollment
Pupil/Teacher Ratio
Baker School District 5-J
1
620
25 to 1
Drop-Out Rate
High School
Rate
Baker High School
0.6%
SAT/ACT Scores
School District
SAT
ACT
# Taking
Verbal
Math
# Taking
Verbal
Math
Baker School District 5-J
42
526
523
10
22.4
22.2
Scholarship Programs Available
US Navy
US Air Force
US Army
Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative
Baker County 4-H Leaders Association
Cockram Memorial Scholarship
Beta Sigma -- Alpha Delta Chapter
National Wild Turkey Federation
Baker County Chapter Long Beads
Four Rivers Chapter
Rods of Oregon and Idaho
Baker Community Choir
Old West Federal Credit Union
Knights of Columbus Scholarship
Baker Elks Lodge #338 -- Most Valuable Student Scholarship
Oregon State Elks Vocational Scholarship
Allan H. McCullough Scholarship
Soroptimist International Violet Richardson Award
Triple C RediMix FFA Scholarship
Stewart Sullivan Scholarship
Harold Alfred Wyatt Scholarship
Norris E. Dodd Scholarship
Nadie Strayer Scholarship Fund
Mercedes-Benz Drive Your Future Scholarship
Bobb McKittrick Scholarship
Agricultural Honor Beginning Venture Scholarship
Marie White Scholarship
Cecil R. Holloway
Mabel Sullivan Erickson Scholarship
Baker Education Association
Baker County Cattlewomen/Baker County Livestock Association
Ty Baker Memorial Scholarship
Gertrude Fortner -- Rose Haskell Chapter AXPEP Scholarship
Mildred Rodgers -- Chapter AXPEO Scholarship
Baker County Quilt Club
Colonel Harry L. Dale Scholarship
National FFA Organization - Fastline Publications Scholarship
National FFA Organization - Ford Trucks Built Ford Tough Scholarship
Roy E. Cate Scholarship
Baker City Rotary Club Scholarship
Kelly Ebell Scholarship
Rosemary Rouse Scholarship
Geiser-Pollman Scholarship
Herman Steiger Award
Olivia Allen Gera Scholarship
Elizabeth and Bernie Baer Scholarship
Sanford and Mary Adler Scholarship
COSA -- L. G. Wells Award
Ford Family Scholars Foundation
J.W. Stuchell Scholarship
Leo Adler Foundation Scholarship
Valedictorian and Honor Society Cash Award
Salutatorian and Honor Society Cash Award
School to Work
Baker High School offers a comprehensive vocational program to students. Any student may select classes in industrial and engineering systems (auto mechanics, small engines, drafting, building construction and woodworking), natural resources (ag and forestry), and family and consumer science. Several of the classes offered meet the requirements of the Tech Prep program and are thus eligible for dual credit through Blue Mountain Community College. In addition to the programs, several activities are offered which support the course goals. These include FFA, Forestry Club, and Auto Club.
Business-School Partnerships
Baker High School has developed school-to-business relationships with several local companies and agencies. The Health Research Occupation class provides students with an opportunity to shadow a multitude of health professionals. It's not unusual to find our students in an operating room or doctor's office. The transitional component of our special education program is directed by a vocational coordinator, who seeks work opportunities for our students.
Quality of Life
Public Parks
9
Public Swimming Pools
1
Public Tennis Courts
10
Football / Soccer / Baseball Fields
8
Golf Courses
1
Cinemas
1
Public Libraries
3
Theatres
1
Museums / Galleries
10
Churches
28
Child Care
County
Total Licensed Providers
Total Capacity
Baker County
29*
278
*4 are also certified providers
Climate
Average Annual Precipitation
10.6 inches
Average Annual Snowfall
18 inches
January Average Daily Humidity
89.42%
July Average Daily Humidity
59.02 %
January Average Daily Temperature
31 degrees F
July Average Daily Temperature
70 degrees F
Crime Rate
Category
2003
2004
2005
2006 Crime Index =147
Number
Rate
Number
Rate
Number
Rate
Willful Homicide
0
0
0%
0
0%
Forcible Rape
7
4
-43%
2
-50%
Robbery
2
2
0%
3
33%
Aggravated Assault
14
6
-57%
3
-50%
Burglary
62
56
-10%
59
5%
Motor Vehicle Theft
22
35
-9%
16
-54%
Larceny Theft
280
314
12%
216
-31%
Arson
8
4
-50%
1
-75%
Vandalism
192
207
8%
128
-38%
Total
587
N/A
628
7%
428
-32%
Hotels, Motels and Conference Facilities
Hotels and Motels
Name
City
# of Rooms
Always Welcome Inn
Baker City
40
Baker City Motel
Baker City
17
Bridge Street Inn
Baker City
40
Budget Inn
Baker City
36
Eldorado Inn
Baker City
54
Geiser Grand
Baker City
30
Oregon Trail Motel
Baker City
54
Rodeway Inn
Baker City
53
Super 8 Motel
Baker City
72
Sunridge Inn
Baker City
155
Trail Motel
Baker City
2
Western Motel
Baker City
14
Halfway Motel
Halfway
26
The Depot Inn
Sumpter
14
Unity Motel
Unity
7
Bed and Breakfast Inns
Name
City
# of Rooms
A Beaten Path
Baker City
2
Baer House
Baker City
3
Bruno Ranch
Bridgeport
2
Orville Chandler Ranch
Haines
4
Hillside B&B
Halfway
4
Inn at Clear Creek Farm
Halfway
6
Pine Creek Chalet
Halfway
3
Pine Valley Lodge
Halfway
6
Scoop-n-Steamer
Sumpter
4
Sumpter B&B
Sumpter
6
Taylor's Cabin
Sumpter
1
Conference Facilities
Name
Geiser Grand Hotel
City
Baker City
Maximum Occupancy
200
Types of Facilities (Yes/No)
Teleconferencing
Yes
Hotel/Motel
Yes
Restaurant
Yes
Convention/Exhibit
Yes
Conference Facilities
Name
Sunridge Inn
City
Baker City
Maximum Occupancy
150
Types of Facilities (Yes/No)
Teleconferencing
Yes
Hotel/Motel
Yes
Restaurant
Yes
Convention/Exhibit
Yes
Conference Facilities
Name
Baker Tower
City
Baker City
Maximum Occupancy
150
Types of Facilities (Yes/No)
Teleconferencing
Yes
Hotel/Motel
No
Restaurant
No
Convention/Exhibit
No
Conference Facilities
Name
National Guard Armory
City
Baker City
Maximum Occupancy
700
Types of Facilities (Yes/No)
Teleconferencing
Yes
Hotel/Motel
No
Restaurant
No
Convention/Exhibit
Yes
Conference Facilities
Name
Elks Lodge
City
Baker City
Maximum Occupancy
400
Types of Facilities (Yes/No)
Teleconferencing
No
Hotel/Motel
No
Restaurant
Yes
Convention/Exhibit
Yes
Social and Cultural Amenities
Local Theater Companies
Name
Crossroads Center for the Creative and Performing Arts
Location
Baker City
Emphasis
Painting, Sculpture, Weaving, Dance, Theater and more
Significant Achievements
Currently working to renovate the historic Carnegie Library as the new creative and performing arts center
Local Choir
Name
Community Choir
Location
Baker City
Emphasis
Musical Performances
Art Galleries
Name
Crossroads Center for the Creative and Performing Arts
Location
Baker City
Emphasis
Painting, Sculpture, Weaving, etc.
Local Museums
Name
Oregon Trail Interpretive Center
Location
Baker City
Emphasis
Oregon Trail Migration
Name
Oregon Trail Regional Museum
Location
Baker City
Emphasis
Baker County and Regional History
Name
Leo Adler House
Location
Baker City
Emphasis
Baker County's Greatest Philanthropist, Leo Adler
Name
Eastern Oregon Regional Museum
Location
Haines
Emphasis
Western Memorabilia
Name
Pine Valley Community Museum
Location
Halfway
Emphasis
Pine Valley History
Name
Huntington Museum
Location
Huntington
Emphasis
History of area before Snake River was dammed.
Name
Cracker Creek Museum of Mining
Location
Sumpter
Emphasis
Mining history
Name
Gold Post Museum
Location
Sumpter
Emphasis
Historic Sumpter items and antiques
Name
Sumpter Municipal Museum
Location
Sumpter
Emphasis
Sumpter Valley history gold mining, logging, and ranching
Public Libraries
Name
Baker County Public Library
Location
Baker City
Branch Locations
Haines, Richland, Halfway, & Huntington
Sports and Recreational Facilities
Name
Baker Sports Complex
Location
Baker City
Brief Description
The Northwest's premier center for baseball, softball, soccer and flag football. Four state-of-the-art diamonds surrounded by a running track. Beautiful views of the Elkhorn and Eagle Cap Mountains accent this one of a kind facility. An indoor batting and practice facility make this center a year round attraction. Located adjacent to the Baker High School track and Ash Grove Tennis Center.
Name
Quail Ridge Golf Course
Location
Baker City
Brief Description
18-hole municipal course featuring breath-taking views on a challenging layout.
Name
Leo Adler Memorial Parkway
Location
Baker City
Brief Description
A 2.5 mile path system that traverses along the Powder River as it winds its way through Baker City, this multi-use path connects the historic downtown with the Geiser-Pollman Park, Baker County Library, Baker Sports Complex, Kirkway Park, Baker High School and residential neighborhoods.
Name
Sam-O-Swim Center
Location
Baker City
Brief Description
Sam-O-Swim Center is an indoor swim facility boasting fast lanes and naturally heated pools. A small pool is just right for toddlers, while the larger pool serves anyone from the playing pre-teen to the senior taking water aerobics.
Name
Elkhorn Lanes
Location
Baker City
Brief Description
Elkhorn Lanes provides bowling for the entire family. League nights, party rentals and food service make Elkhorn Lanes a fun place for children of all ages.
Name
Historic Baker City
Location
Baker City
Brief Description
Oregon's second largest historic district boasts shopping, dining, and fun. Come see this wonderful asset, with over 110 buildings on the national register. Places like the Geiser Grand Hotel, Baker Tower, Mint Fox, and more are unique to Baker City.
Name
Ash Grove Tennis Center
Location
Baker City
Brief Description
Six lighted courts at the Ash Grove Tennis Center mean that you won't have to wait. These beautiful tennis courts are adjacent to the Baker Sports Complex in Baker City.
Name
Ski Anthony Lakes
Location
Baker County
Brief Description
Ski Anthony Lakes offers the best powder in Oregon, with the highest base elevation of any ski area around. High speed lifts and smaller crowds mean that you'll have more skiing and less waiting. A 45 minute drive from Baker City, Ski Anthony Lakes is located in the Elkhorn Mountains.
Name
Hells Canyon National Scenic Area/Scenic Byway
Location
Baker County
Brief Description
North America's deepest canyon is located right here in Baker County. Hells Canyon offers a bundle of exciting opportunities, whether you like hunting, fishing, boating, camping, hiking, or sightseeing.
Name
Sumpter Valley Railroad/Sumpter Valley Dredge State Heritage Area
Location
Sumpter
Brief Description
The historic Sumpter Valley Railroad steams along through tailings created by the mining dredge that now serves as an interpretive piece in the state park. Join us for a train ride, a tour of the working dredge and a night's stay in beautiful Sumpter Valley.
Name
Elkhorn Crest Trail
Location
Baker County
Brief Description
26 miles of hiking trail wind along the tips of the Elkhorn Mountains. The Elkhorn Crest Trail leads guests from one high mountain lake to another, along 9,000 foot peaks, with breath-taking views of both Baker and Sumpter Valleys.
Name
Phillips Reservoir
Location
Sumpter Valley
Brief Description
For boating and fishing lovers, Phillips Reservoir offers gorgeous scenery and enough fishing to last all day. A 30 minute drive from Baker City toward Sumpter, Phillips Reservoir is close to all of the action, but feels like a million miles away.
Name
Scenic Byways
Location
Baker County
Brief Description
Hells Canyon Scenic Byway and Elkhorn Drive wind their ways through untouched wilderness, national forests and agricultural land. Enjoy the ride!
Name
State Parks
Location
Baker County
Brief Description
Farewell Bend and Unity Lake State Parks offer wonderful camping facilities with options for boating, fishing and other water recreation.
Name
Hewitt and Holcomb County Parks
Location
Eagle Valley
Brief Description
Near Richland, Hewitt and Holcomb County Parks are the gateway to Brownlee Reservoir, home of top rated warm water game fishing.
Incentives
Grant Programs
Baker/Morrow Regional Partnership
Description
Lottery dollars awarded for the purposes of business recruitment, expansion and retention. The Board of Directors, which is made up of local representatives from both Baker and Morrow Counties, reviews applications for approval.
Eligibility/Criteria
Eligible applicants are entities that create or retain jobs in the short term or longterm for Baker and Morrow Counties. The project will demonstrate fund leveraging (including in-kind contributions from the applicant and/or outside sources). Projects that demonstrate a 5:1 match will receive a higher rating for that criteria element than those projects that do not meet this target. The project will create or retain jobs with Partnership funds through short or long term job investments. Applications that demonstrate at least one (1) job created per $5,000 of Baker/Morrow Regional Partnership funds will receive a higher rating for this criteria element than those projects that do not meet this target. Ineligible activities include: retirement of any debt; payment for expenses incurred prior to grant approval; substitution for local government expenditures for existing or continuing public services; maintenance of existing staff, except to provide new technical assistance for regional coordination or local economic development activities; relocation of a business from one labor market to another within Oregon, unless accompanied by an expansion of that business or the business would otherwise relocate outside Oregon; ongoing operating expenses; or reimbursement of owner's/applicant's time.
Contact
Karen Kendall, (541) 276-6745
Employer Workforce Training Fund
Description
Fund dollars can be used to cover 50% of the costs of training current workers. The maximum award to any one employer will be $40,000. The grant award must be matched 1:1 by the employer through in-kind or cash contributions.
Eligibility/Criteria
The fund cannot be used to train new employees or public sector employees, to recruit employees, relocate employees from one area to another or to fund proprietary training. All expenditures must provide evidence of successful completion of the training by specified employees. Additional obligations will include some upfront information about employees and compliance with necessary followup and reporting activities.
Contact
Sara Miller, (800) 645-9454
Loan Programs
Targeted Business Development Fund
Source of Funds
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
Uses of Funds
Finance land, buildings, equipment, machinery and permanent working capital
Maximum Portion of Project
40%
Terms and Fees
Fixed rate; up to 5 years; 4% below prime market rate with floor of 4%; fixed rate
Eligibility/Restrictions
Distressed community. Manufacturing, processing, high tech, distribution and regionally significant tourism. Job creation of 1 job/$20,000 borrowed.
Maximum Amount
$500,000
Contact Information
Gary Ross, (503) 986-0172
Entrepreneurial Development Loan Fund
Source of Funds
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
Uses of Funds
Fixed asset and working capital
Maximum Portion of Project
80%
Terms and Fees
Fixed rate; up to 5 years; 2% above prime
Eligibility/Restrictions
Must meet two of the following: in operation less than 24 months; revenues of less than $100,000/year; owned by a severely disabled person. Must be secured with adequate capital. Personal guarantee required. Applicant must complete certified counseling program and have completed business plan. Loans cannot refinance debt.
Maximum Amount
$25,000 initial; $15,000 follow-up
Contact Information
Gary Ross, (503) 986-0172
Brownfield Redevelopment Fund
Source of Funds
Oregon Department of Environmental Quality
Uses of Funds
Conduct environmental actions on brownsfields.
Maximum Portion of Project
N/A
Terms and Fees
Rates based on the equivalent Bond Buyers Index. 20 year terms.
Eligibility/Restrictions
Any organization, municipal or non-municipal, is eligible EXCEPT if under an active enforcement order relating to contamination at the site. Must link to economic development or community revitalization.
Maximum Amount
$250,000
Contact Information
Scott Fairley, (541) 276-4063
Credit Enhancement Fund
Source of Funds
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
Uses of Funds
Real property, buildings, machinery, equipment; working capital, including receivable and inventory financing; export financing.
Maximum Portion of Project
Varies
Terms and Fees
Four programs are available: 1) Conventional may guarantee up to 90% of a loan; 2) First loss may guarantee up to 25% of losses on a loan; 3) Evergreen entrants for initial working capital or lines of credit; and 4) Evergreen Plus helps to secure larger lines of credit.
Eligibility/Restrictions
Manufacturers, processors, destination tourism facilities, distribution, high tech, and transportation facilities; any business in an economically distressed area of the state; any business that uses brownfield funds to clean up a site; companies with fewer than 200 employees.
Maximum Amount
$500,000
Contact Information
Gary Ross, (503) 986-0172
Industrial Development Revenue Bonds
Source of Funds
Oregon Economic and Community Development Department
Uses of Funds
Most of the bonds must be used for capital expenditures (i.e. land, buildings, equipment, etc.)
Maximum Portion of Project
100%
Terms and Fees
Below prime rate. Choice of variable or fixed rate.
Eligibility/Restrictions
Manufacturers and some nonprofits are eligible. Borrowers must be credit worthy. Working capital and debt are not eligible for the program. The business must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the Federal Internal Revenue Code and in state statutes and rules.
Maximum Amount
$1 million to $10 million
Contact Information
Gary Ross, (503) 986-0172
Energy Loan Program
Source of Funds
Oregon Department of Energy
Uses of Funds
Projects that save energy, produce energy from renewable resources, use recycled material to create products, or use alternative fuels
Maximum Portion of Project
N/A
Terms and Fees
Rate set annually by bond sales. Terms may vary from five to 20 years. Loan fees vary.
Eligibility/Restrictions
Individuals, businesses, schools, cities, counties, special district, state and federal agencies, public corporations, cooperatives, tribes and nonprofits may apply. Projects must be in Oregon.
Maximum Amount
Minimum of $20,000; no maximum
Contact Information
(800) 221-8035
SBA 504 Loan Program
Source of Funds
US Small Business Administration
Uses of Funds
Construction, acquisition, rehabilitation and leasehold improvement of real estate and for machinery and equipment.
Maximum Portion of Project
40%
Terms and Fees
Below market rate. Terms are fixed and are based on life of the assets being financed.
Eligibility/Restrictions
Small business expansions and occasionally startups are eligible. Net worth must be less than $6 million and after tax profit for last two years must be under $2 million. Developers do not qualify.
Maximum Amount
$750,000 in most cases
Contact Information
Small Business Administration, (503) 326-2682
SBA 7(A) Loan Guarantee Program
Source of Funds
US Small Business Administration
Uses of Funds
Working capital, fixed asset acquisitions, leasehold improvements, debt consolidation/refinance, and transfer of ownership
Maximum Portion of Project
Guarantees up to 75% of a loan
Terms and Fees
125 years terms. Rates may not exceed market prime by more than 2 3/4 percent.
Eligibility/Restrictions
Small businesses only. Collateral may include land, buildings, equipment, assignment of receivables, inventory and personal assets.
Maximum Amount
$750,000
Contact Information
Small Business Administration, (503) 326-5122
NEOEDD MicroLoan Fund
Source of Funds
Northeast Oregon Economic Development District
Uses of Funds
Equipment, machinery or working capital
Maximum Portion of Project
100%
Terms and Fees
Three-year maximum term with rate above market.
Eligibility/Restrictions
Very small businesses.
Maximum Amount
$4,000
Contact Information
Greg Smith, (541) 963-2399
NEOEDD Revolving Loan Fund
Source of Funds
Northeast Oregon Economic Development District
Uses of Funds
Land, buildings, equipment, machinery and permanent working capital
Maximum Portion of Project
50% (33% preferred level)
Terms and Fees
Market rates. Application fee of $100.
Eligibility/Restrictions
May not be used for the refinancing of debt. Job creation of 1 job/$15,000 borrowed.
Maximum Amount
$100,000
Contact Information
Greg Smith, (541) 963-2399
NEOEDD Intermediary Relending Program
Source of Funds
Northeast Oregon Economic Development District
Uses of Funds
Land, buildings, equipment, machinery and permanent working capital
Maximum Portion of Project
75%
Terms and Fees
Market rates. Application fee of $100.
Eligibility/Restrictions
May not be used for the refinancing of debt. Job creation of 1 job/$25,000 borrowed.
Maximum Amount
$150,000
Contact Information
Greg Smith, (541) 963-2399
Tax Programs
Enterprise Zones
Zone Name
Baker City/County Enterprise Zone
Zone Manager
Jennifer Watkins, (541) 524-2032
Description of Program
100% exemption from the property taxes normally assessed on significant plant pland and equipment. Exemption lasts for three years after property has been placed in service. Project must be located inside the enterprise zone boundary and must be owned or leased by the authorized business firm. The property must be occupied or in use before July 1 of the first year of exemption and not idle for more than 180 days at a time thereafter. In addition to the tax abatement, the City of Baker City provides 50% structural permit rebates and 25% water and sewer rebates for the life of the abatement period. Hotel, motel and destination resorts as well as retail/financial call centers are also allowed.
Eligibility
Business firms that provide gods, products or services to other business operations or organizations. This includes not only conventional manufacturing and industrial activities, but also processing plants, distribution centers, maintenance facilities, warehouses and even operations that handle bulk clerical tasks or after sale technical support. Regardless of being performed for other businesses, the following and similar activities are INELIGIBLE: health care, entertainment, finance, professional services, childcare, housing, property management, construction and any retailing of goods or services.
Extended Abatement Program
Zone Name
Baker City/County Enterprise Zone
Zone Manager
Jennifer Watkins, (541) 524-2032
Description of Program
Same as the above, except the exemption may be extended for four or five years upon approval by the local government.
Eligibility
Same as the above.
Long Term
LongTerm Enterprise Zone
Zone Name
Baker City/County Enterprise Zone
Zone Manager
Jennifer Watkins, (541) 524-2032
Description of Program
Under this program, a business may receive seven to fifteen consecutive years of full relief from property taxes on a new facility. Three criteria must be met in order to participate in this program: 1) total investment must be greater than $5.7 million (as of July 1, 2006); 2) a minimum of 35 new, full-time employees must be hired by the end of the third year of operation; and 3) An average annual wage across all workers at the facility must stay at or above 150% of the county average wage (this would equal $39,441 as of July 1, 2006).
Eligibility
Same as the above programs, with the additional three criteria.
Oregon Investment Advantage
Description of Program
This program provides deductions against the State's income or corporate excise taxes for 10 years. Firms must participate in a preliminary certification process prior to any construction/hiring. Additionally, an annual certification must be filed to continue the benefits.
Eligibility
There is no restriction in terms of the size of investment or type of the firm. Two criteria must be met in order to qualify: 1) The company must create at least five new full-time, year-round jobs; and 2) the operations at the facility need to be the first of their kind in Oregon for that company, and not compete within the local economy.
Contact
Troy Phillips, (541) 524-2037
Business Energy Tax Credit
Description of Program
This program offers tax credits to those who invest in energy conservation, recycling, less polluting energy resources and lesspolluting transportation fuels. The tax credit is 35% of the eligible project costs. The credits can be taken over five years (10 percent in the first two years and 5 percent in each year after). Unused
Eligibility
Eligible projects include: conservation, renewable resource, alternative fueled vehicles, rental dwelling weatherization, transportation, recycling, and sustainable buildings. Trade, business and rental property owners may qualify.
Contact
Oregon Department of Energy (800) 221-8035
Pollution Control Tax Credit
Description of Program
Taxpayers may use dollar for dollar tax credit as a dollarfordollar reduction to their Oregon tax bill. The percentage of the certified facility cost that is available for the credit is variable, depending on a number of conditions. The maximum tax credit is 35%.
Eligibility
Qualifying facilities may include structures, buildings, installations, excavation, machinery, equipment or devices. Facilities must prevent, reduce or control one of the following: air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution, solid waste, hazardous waste, used oil by recycling or providing for its appropriate disposal. In addition, the taxpayer must have constructed or installed requirement facility: in response to a requiement imposed by the EPA, DEQ or regional air pollution authority; or for the sole purpose of controlling, preventing or reducing a substantial quantity of air, land or water pollution.
Contact
Department of Environmental Quality (800) 452-4011