Sharpsville council needs the support of the school district and the county to offer a five- to 10-year tax abatement on improvements made to commercial and industrial properties.

Although originally considered for improvements to residential properties, the tax break would not help homeowners.

Council members have been discussing a tax abatement since spring, when they met with Rep. Michael C. Gruitza, Hermitage, D-7th District, about possible tax abatement programs.

Council has drafted a rough ordinance and is looking at implementing it soon, possibly in January, but needs to get the OK from the school district and county.

"I don't think it's going to get off the ground unless we get support from the school district and county," said council Vice President Gary "Gus" Grandy, chairman of the business and economic development committee. "Otherwise we might as well scrap it."

Council invited school directors and county commissioners to a workshop on Monday to discuss the proposed abatement. Two school board members, board President Terry Karsonovich and Joyce Grandy, attended. Grandy said he was disappointed no representatives from the county were present.

The abatement would be for commercial and industrial businesses that want to expand. Grandy said a tax break may give businesses thinking of expanding the incentive to go ahead.

"Anything that raises taxes, we're going to give you an abatement," Grandy said.

"This might spur someone to do an expansion, and give someone an opportunity to save a few bucks," said Councilman Robert Piccirrilli.

Grandy also said taking care of existing businesses may encourage other businesses to move into the borough, creating more jobs.

"If you take care of the businesses here, they'll bring businesses in," he said.

The state constitution does not allow for this type of tax abatement for residential properties. Council had previously discussed a possible two-year tax abatement program for residences but is currently concentrating on businesses.