The Amarillo Pioneer

Amarillo's only free online newspaper. Established in 2016, we work to bring you local news that is unbiased and honest.

 

Amarillo City Council Approves Deal to Hand Tax Dollars to Amazon

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Amarillo City Councilmembers approved a plan on Tuesday to hand tax incentives to Amazon in hopes of bringing one of the company’s fulfillment facilities to the city.

On Tuesday, the City Council voted 4-1 on three items to attract Amazon to the city. The two highest profile items included a $2.5 million incentive package for the tech giant and a 50 percent tax abatement agreement. The agenda listed Amazon Services, LLC, ET Amarillo LLC, and Happy Horizons as parties to the project incentives.

Amarillo City Councilwoman Elaine Hays cast the sole vote against the project, citing censorship concerns with Amazon and other tech giants. Hays’ comments came weeks after Amazon moved to deplatform the social media site Parler.

Hays’ vote also notably came weeks after she announced her plans not to seek re-election in 2021. Hays is the only incumbent on the City Council not seeking re-election.

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