Mount Prospect recommends tax break extension for printing firm

When the printing firm eDOC Communications moved to Mount Prospect in 2005, it put a big sign bearing its name in front of the business at 555 Business Center Drive in the Kensington Business Center.

Owner Michael Frank said, "We all of a sudden got a string of calls to our receptionist saying, 'Are you guys online doctors?'"

No, the callers, were told, "We're just commercial printers here in the area."

Nevertheless, Frank said, "They would still say, 'Well can you recommend a good doctor?'"

More than 10 years later, one thing is clear - for eDOC the prescription for success has been Cook County's 6b tax abatement program.

On Tuesday, Mount Prospect trustees recommended that the Cook County Board grant an extension of eDOC's 6b tax abatement, which it received in 2006.

The 6b program provides some relief from the higher assessments on commercial and industrial property in Cook County. It requires a resolution from the community where the business is located and final approval from the county.

For the first 10 years of the program, the assessment is reduced from the standard 25 percent for commercial property to 10 percent, which is closer to the rate at which the county assesses residential property. In year 11, the assessment then climbs to 15 percent, and in year 12 to 20 percent. After that, the property is assessed at the full 25 percent. Extensions can be granted after 10 years, which for eDOC, would be a 22-year benefit.

Community Development Director Bill Cooney told the board the company has nearly doubled its initial employee base of 75. eDOC generates around $23 million in revenues and boasts a workforce of 135 employees. Without the extension, the tax rate per square foot for eDOC would rise from $1.46 to $3.65, Cooney said. In nearby Lake and DuPage counties, the rate ranges from $1 to $1.50.

In supporting the extension, Trustee Steven Polit pointed out that Cook County is the only place in Illinois with a two-tiered assessment system. In the rest of the state of Illinois, businesses and residences are assessed at the same rate.

"This is a great incentive tool to bring people into the community and to keep people here in the community," said Trustee Richard Rogers.