The Auburn City Council entered into an agreement with a proposed adult care facility to receive $12,000 each fiscal year after developers build it in the western part of the city.

Depaul Properties Inc. has preliminary approval to continue developing a new facility to relocate Evergreen Heights, a Weedsport adult home.

Because the facility will have non-profit status, the owners will not have to pay property taxes.

However, in exchange for city services it will use, it has offered to pay $12,000 for up to 21.5 years.

While it currently is a non-profit organization, it does not have a payment in lieu of taxes agreement with Weedsport, said Laurie Didio, Evergreen Heights executive director.

The resolution passed 4-1, with councilor Thomas McNabb casting the opposing ballot.

“There's too many people paying in lieu of taxes. Somebody has to pay taxes ... I do, he does, you do,” he said.

McNabb said he also wanted more information about the resolution, which was given to councilors the day of the vote.

Depaul is in the process of buying three plots of adjacent property on Clark Street and Belmont Avenue to build the 60-bed adult care facility.

One condition of this contract is that the developer will adhere to the “reasonable requirements” of the Auburn Department of Planning and Economic Development.

The developer will provide the city with annual financial statements and allow the city's comptroller to audit its books.

Also, the owner will be responsible for any water and sewer charges and solid waste.

The adult care facility also will continue to use a private trash hauler, Appleton Disposal, Didio said.

Depaul Inc. is anticipating announcing a grant in August. If the company receives the grant, it aims to break ground next spring.

Engineers estimate construction will take 10 to 12 months.

Staff writer Jessica Soule can be reached at 253-5311 ext 267 or

jessica.soule@lee.net