Constantine and Rexam reach tax agreement

The village of Constantine has reached an agreement with Rexam for a refund of 87 1/2 percent of a tax abatement the company owes the village.
The village agreed to a 12 1/2 percent reduction, including a waiver of any penalties and interest, dropping the amount it is owed from $280,000 to a little more than $252,000.
Abatements were granted in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2003 to Owens- Illinois, which later became Rexam.
When the abatements were granted, the company agreed to repay them with interest for the last two years if the facility ceased operations. Several were still active when the company closed the Constantine facility in 2010.
Village manager Mark Honeysett said attorney Rob Thall prepared a letter seeking approval of the settlement, and it was sent to treasurers of several taxing authorities.