News Blog

Next week, the Monroe County Industrial Development Agency will hold two additional hearings on Xerox's application for property and sales tax incentives on a potential expansion project at the company's toner plant in Webster. And at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, COMIDA will meet to vote on the proposal (the location is forthcoming and will be posted on the COMIDA website, growmonroe.org).

The hearings are at 10 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 22. The first is at the Village of Webster Community Meeting Hall, 29 South Avenue. The second is at Webster Town Hall, 1000 Ridge Road.

The toner plant expansion isn't a sure thing. During a COMIDA board meeting this afternoon, Jack Farnan, Xerox's corporate real estate manager, said the company is evaluating a few locations for its toner production. The Webster plant is the only US site under consideration, he said. Xerox has existing toner operations located near Toronto, as well as in Japan and the Netherlands.
As part of its evaluation process, the company is determining what incentives would be available to it, Farnan said.

If Xerox chooses Webster, it plans to spend $5 million to expand the building and $30 million on equipment, according to a summary of its COMIDA application. The summary says the investment would create the equivalent of 25 full-time jobs. In return, Xerox is seeking $441,508 in property and sales tax exemptions.

Xerox's application has opposition. Several people spoke against it during public hearings this week. But the most notable opponent is Webster town Supervisor Ron Nesbitt. Among his criticisms: the company earned substantial profits last year, is suing the town over its assessment, and has laid of many local employees.