Daves Diesel Expanding’

Dave’s Diesel granted tax abatement

By Jennifer Decker jdecker@kpcnews.net

Tuesday, April 03, 2012, 12:01am

ANGOLA - Dave’s Diesel was granted a five-year tax abatement for machinery and equipment upgrades at Monday’s regular meeting of the Angola Common Council.

Dave’s Diesel, 1201 Wohlert St., Angola, builds diesel fuel injectors, diesel engines, and provides diesel engine service and repair, the company’s application said. The business is in the city’s Moderate Intensity Industrial District.

Richard Smith, Dave’s Diesel company president, wrote in the application that 70 percent his business is outside of Steuben County.

“This business is unique to Angola and Steuben County as this is the only business in Angola and there are only 10 businesses of this nature statewide,” Smith wrote in the application.

Vivian Likes, Angola director of economic development and planning, wasn’t at Monday’s meeting, but recommended the tax abatement to the council. In a tax abatement scoring system, Likes scored Dave’s Diesel 93 points. That many points qualified the company for a five-year tax abatement.

“Dave and I talked last fall and I’m glad to see you in here,” Mayor Dick Hickman said about Smith and referred to talking to Dave Koening, director of the Steuben County Economic Development Corporation. “Rick, glad to see someone in the community so long.”

“Glad to be here. We love the community,” Smith replied.

Dave’s Diesel has 13 employees. The tax abatement would retain those employees, plus potentially add five new jobs, Smith wrote.

When asked after the meeting, Smith said Dave’s Diesel is very active in charitable causes and 4-H.