Reference is made to the feature article written by Richard Barron on the merits of incentives given to industry.

The incentive package given Thomas Built Buses in 2002 occurred while I was mayor of High Point. The article correctly stated the 2004 taxes paid by Thomas Built Buses. There were other advantages to High Point not stated in the article. Quoting from the proposal prepared by High Point Economic Development Corp. to our City Council, please note:

"Thomas Built Buses is a major user of water, sewer and electricity. City revenues from these utilities and property taxes for the expansion are estimated to be $1,026,500 per year. Using this estimate, the city would recoup its $4.5 million investment within 4.38 years."

Not all incentive packages paid for by taxpayer money are as valuable to local government. Thomas Built Buses was then and is now a wise investment for the city of High Point.

Arnold J. Koonce Jr.
High Point