By Michael D. Clark
The Cincinnati Enquirer

MONROE - A Warren County's company's move to this city is a step closer to reality after Butler County Commissioners voted Thursday to grant a tax abatement plan pushed by Monroe officials eager to attract new jobs.

The unanimous vote makes the likelihood of Burrows Paper Corp. moving its headquarters here from Franklin nearly certain, said Monroe Development Director Jay Stewart.

The commissioners' vote grants a 65 percent, 10-year personal property tax abatement for Burrows, which has proposed moving to Monroe in the Commerce Center - off of Salzman Road - near Ohio 63. The company would build a new 171,000-square-foot office and manufacturing facility that would create 90 new jobs for Monroe and increase that to 135 jobs within three years. The $24.5 million project would also include moving some manufacturing to Batavia, Clermont County.

"This is good news,'' said Mr. Stewart, "especially in light of a slow economy."

The Monroe facility would contain manufacturing, printing and die cutting of paper packages for wrapping restaurant foods.

Burrows officials were unavailable for comment but Mr. Stewart said a site plan has been approved and construction work may begin next month. He said estimated annual payroll is expected to annually bring in $18,000 to the city based on Monroe's 1 percent earnings tax.

E-mail mclark@enquirer.com