Submitted By: Edwin R. Carreras Rivera, Esq.
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Presentation By: Roberto Ellis
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Department: Growth Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Economic Investment Program agreement between the City of Ocala and E-One, Inc. with a total incentive amount not to exceed $193,000
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OCALA’S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Economic Hub
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
N/A
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BACKGROUND:
The City of Ocala's Economic Investment Program (EIP) exists to drive economic growth within city limits and utility service areas by attracting new businesses and supporting the expansion of existing ones. Under the program, the City may provide financial assistance on a case-by-case basis when a demonstrable positive return on investment can be established for the City and the broader community. This agenda item supports City Council’s strategic priority of Economic Hub.
Applicant Background
E-One, Inc. (E-One) is a well-established fire apparatus manufacturer with its primary manufacturing campus located within Ocala city limits. The company, formerly known as Emergency One, has deep roots in the Ocala community, having been founded locally in 1974 with approximately 25 employees. E-One opened its first major Ocala facility in 1978 and expanded again in 1990. The company currently operates a facility on the 51.56-acre site (Parcel ID 23320-005-16), employing over 150 full-time workers across production, engineering, and management functions.
Incentive Request
E-One is requesting $193,000 in financial assistance from the City in the form of a grant, to be disbursed in three equal installments. E-One proposes a major expansion of its Ocala manufacturing campus, reflecting its long-term commitment to the City and its confidence in the local workforce. If approved, the incentive will enable E-One to expand employment levels and enhance the overall feasibility of the Ocala expansion.
Project Description
The subject property at 2929 SW 57th Avenue occupies a strategically advantageous position within one of Ocala’s most productive industrial corridors. E-One proposes a $27.55 million expansion of its Ocala manufacturing campus, including a 9,000‑square‑foot expansion of the existing manufacturing facility, an 8,000‑square‑foot paint shop expansion, and construction of a new 59,000‑square‑foot manufacturing building and 8,000‑square‑foot test pit facility, along with all required site improvements. The project is slated to be completed before May 2027. Please refer to the attached cut sheet for additional details on the application.
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
E-One meets the EIP eligibility criteria. The company has been in business for well over three years, is current on all ad valorem taxes, utility payments, and other obligations, and has no known financial or legal issues that would impair its ability to execute the project. The project involves expanding an existing business within Ocala city limits, consistent with the program's core purpose.
Applicant Requirements
The agreement includes the following applicant requirements:
• Remain on the property and use OEU electric services for at least five years
• Create at least 63 new jobs and maintain existing positions
• Consider Ocala Fiber Network services
• Invest a minimum of $25 million
• Successful completion of a financial review
• Submit annual employment reports
Economic Impact
This investment is expected to drive an immediate 35 percent increase in production capacity and position E-One's Ocala operations for sustained long-term growth by supporting higher volumes of fire apparatus production over time.
• E-One currently employs 150 full-time workers at the subject site. The proposed expansion is projected to create at least 63 new full-time positions, with an average annual salary of $60,452, bringing the on-site workforce to 213 employees.
• New positions will span all employment levels, with the majority being production-level manufacturing roles. The proposed wages exceed the EIP's threshold of at least 115 percent of Marion County's annual average wages ($59,838, or $28.77 per hour).
• Beyond direct employment and tax benefits, E-One’s expansion is expected to generate significant secondary economic activity for the City, which will grow proportionally as production capacity increases.
• E-One’s campus at 2929 SW 57th Avenue is strategically located near the Ocala International Airport, associated logistics facilities, and the SW 60th Avenue Industrial Corridor, three of the City’s most important economic infrastructure assets.
Alignment with the City’s Strategic Priorities
The E-One expansion directly advances the City of Ocala’s strategic goal of becoming a regional economic hub. By retaining and growing a major industrial employer within city limits, in a prime location adjacent to the airport and the SW 60th Avenue Industrial Corridor, this project simultaneously strengthens the sector, enhances the local employment base, and elevates Ocala’s profile as a competitive destination for industrial investment.
Staff Recommendation
Based on a thorough review of the application, project financials, employment commitments, and the proposed expansion alignment with the City of Ocala's economic development objectives, City staff recommends approval of the Economic Investment Program agreement between the City of Ocala and E-One, Inc. Refer to the attached documents.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The grant payment will be budgeted in the appropriate fiscal year under account 674-099-999-559-81-82010. The payment will be disbursed over three fiscal years to reduce the annual impact on the General Fund. The applicant’s proposed capital investment represents a significant enhancement to the property's contribution to the City’s tax base. Ad valorem revenue is projected to increase from $26,606 to $105,191 annually. In addition, operations at the facility are estimated to generate approximately $82,307 in electric revenue each year.
PROCUREMENT REVIEW:
N/A
LEGAL REVIEW:
This Agreement will be reviewed and approved for form and legality by City Attorney, William E. Sexton.
ALTERNATIVE:
• Approve
• Approve with Changes
• Table
• Deny