By Patrick Baron

BLOOMINGTON – The McLean County Board is the latest governing body to approve a property tax abatement for Rivian Automotive.

The Normal Town Council, McLean County Unit 5, and Heartland Community College board of trustees approved the agreement earlier this month.

The board unanimously voted in favor of the incentive after several county residents voiced their optimism in the deal with Rivian. Job creation was a major factor in the board’s decision, and board member Carlo Robustelli explained the number of jobs will allow people greater opportunities for the future.

“This proposal, over the course of five years, would create 500 jobs,” said Robustelli. “With jobs you’re talking about providing people an opportunity for people to build their future, build their lives.”

Robustelli also explained the pros outweighed the cons in the agreement. The agreement itself is performance-based, meaning that if Rivian is unable to uphold its end of the deal, the county can safely back out of the agreement. Board member Paul Segobiano said only time will tell if the agreement bears fruit.

“I think they would really build into the agreement, that they have to agree for their investment on a time period. Until they do that, we can withdraw our support for that resolution,” said Segobiano. “But I think it’s like anything else – time will tell.”

Board members expressed optimism that the agreement is a great chance to support people in the community.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].