Cecil County Executive McCarthy and council members focused on economic development and optimism for growth in the county during the third annual State of the County address.

According to the Cecil Whig,

“Major announcements of new construction at the Principio Business Park are starting 2017 in the right path,” he told a crowd of more than 100 Cecil County Chamber of Commerce members Monday at the Upper Chesapeake Ballroom. “I am certain that we’ll have new businesses following these. Lidl, TRUaire and Amazon are estimated to yield over 1,000 jobs in the next several years.”

With more jobs comes more tax revenue, which enables the county to increase funding for essential services, McCarthy said.

“The anticipated tax revenues, even with the enterprise zone credit, are expected to raise $7.7 million over the next 10 years in property taxes alone,” he added.

Councilwoman Jackie Gregory noted that the council’s goal is to increase the tax base, but not the tax rate.

“One of our goals locally is to create an environment where businesses can grow,” she said.

Council President Joyce Bowlsbey echoed McCarthy’s optimism.

“With the effects of Amazon and Lidl moving into Cecil County, we’re on a prosperous path,” she said. “These businesses represent over $240 million of investment in Cecil County.”

With road and rail access, as well as a low tax rate and property values, Cecil County’s “location makes us a prime location for future development,” Bowlsbey said.

“Cecil County is on the move, and 2017 looks to be a good year for Cecil County,” she added.