Keeter Manufacturing, Inc. v. Department of Revenue

CARL N. BYERS, Judge.

This matter is before the court on cross motions for summary judgment. At issue is the interpretation of the Oregon Enterprise Zone Act. The specific question is whether property becomes disqualified for enterprise zone tax exemption by virtue of being sold.

The legislature enacted the Oregon Enterprise Zone Act in 1985 to encourage businesses to locate in economically lagging areas. ORS 284.130. One of the benefits provided was a limited property tax exemption. The exemption was for a five-year period. The property was 100 percent exempt the first year, 80 percent the…