Discussions of tax abatement for industries and a possible jail expansion ruled the floor Wednesday night at the DeKalb County Board meeting.

County residents turned out to hear arguments over the necessity of expanding the county jail in downtown Sycamore. Experts went to an Ad Hoc committee to explain the efficiency of expanding the jail in its current location, instead of creating a satellite jail.

Sycamore resident Steve Kuhn voiced concerns over the expansion at the current location. Kuhn, who lives four blocks from the jail, questioned whether the board and the committee had looked at the impact a jail expansion would have on the quality of life of area residents and the property values of the real estate nearby.

In the end, a 14-10 vote tabled the decision until the Public Services Committee could further review the options to alleviate the overcrowded jail problem.

A 14-10 vote also passed a resolution to allow the city of DeKalb to start attracting businesses by offering a five-year tax abatement to industries that are approved by the county board.

Roger Hopkins, executive director of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation, explained the importance of needing an incentive program to attract businesses to the area.

Industries won’t just relocate to DeKalb because it’s a great place to be, Hopkins said.

Board member Richard Osborne likened the need for incentives to the advantages an applicant needs in a job interview.

“What it is we are lacking is that added quality that would get us a second interview,” Osborne said, adding that incentives such as a tax abatement would provide the county with a competitive advantage that some neighboring counties already offer.

In other business, the board approved a special-use permit to allow Sycamore RV Resort, 375 E. North Ave., Sycamore, to build a caregiver’s house and bath house on its park property.

On a lighter note, the board also voted to designate Monday, Sept. 22 as Family Day in DeKalb County, calling the evening a night for parents to eat dinner with their children.