Tax abatement has garnered another large-scale business for Sycamore.

The council voted unanimously to move Fullco Industries, Inc. into the Sycamore Prairie Business Park, located along Bethany Road, during its Monday meeting.

The company, which deals in construction and industrial fasteners, will have its property taxes reduced by 90 percent the first year, 75 percent the second and 50 percent the third, City Manager Bill Nicklas said.

On the chance that Fullco leaves the city within 10 years, whether on its own or if another employer buys it out, the city instituted a clawback feature that allows the city to regain the tax abatement losses.

Council members supported the abatement, noting the company would help raise more money that can be used by the city.

The more businesses a city brings in, the less reliance it has on its residents for tax revenue, fourth Ward Alderman Terry Kessler said.

Others said the abatement helps give the city an edge on inter-city competition at the state and national level to attract businesses.

“We are marketing ourselves,” Kessler said.

Further evidence of planning for future growth, Sycamore, along with the village of Burlington, will likely decide to draw a line where development must end.

“Both communities are concerned about how they may be growing into each other,” Nicklas said.

Burlington takes pride in their forest preserves along its western border, and although it takes pride in this preserve and likely would not develop through it, this plan acts as a safeguard should that happen, he said.

The agreement would also leave a buffer zone between the two cities and provide space for agriculture, Nicklas said.

Local farmer Bill Lensc appeared before the council and voiced his concern over how the line was drawn. He said having the line could significantly lower his property value.

He said he knows the city works with the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, 1350 W. Prairie Drive in Sycamore, but said it should make more of an effort to work with the individuals who are directly affected by council actions.

The boundary agreement would allow Sycamore and Burlington to settle what has been a long-standing point of disagreement in Kane County, Sycamore Mayor John Swedberg said.

By putting an interstate between the two cities, a roadway that is not desired in Kane County, Sycamore would have increased transportation access that would further aid the economy, he said.

The council will vote on the line agreement during its next meeting. The next Sycamore City Council meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, March 21 at the Sycamore Center, 308 W. State St.