Franklin City EDC grants Airtoomic waiver, approves related abatements after company outlines expansion

Franklin City's Economic Development Commission voted to grant a waiver of non‑compliance to Airtoomic and to find the company in compliance for several tax abatements after a company representative described recent growth and an ongoing expansion.

A city staff member told the commission that on May 16 Christine Lemon of Airtoomic alerted staff that the company’s accountant had not filed Form 322 and CF‑1 compliance forms by the deadline but that Lemon promptly provided the necessary documents. Staff recommended granting a waiver so the commission could evaluate the abatement cases.

Mike Mislin of Airtoomic told the commission the company began operations in Franklin in 2017 with a 30,000‑square‑foot facility and 24 employees. "At that commitment, we had 24 employees and we committed to hiring 13 additional people for a total of 36," Mislin said. He said that as of 2025 the company employed 69 people and plans to hire another 14 to reach 77 in the near term, with a long‑term goal of 100 employees over five years. Mislin said the company expects average wages to be about $27.50 per hour, excluding benefits.

Mislin described a recent physical expansion that added about 20,000 square feet, bringing the facility to roughly 50,000 square feet. He said the company had an abatement tied to a $2 million building project but that the actual building spend was about $2,376,000. He also said previously approved personal property abatement totaled $650,000 and that current personal property investment related to the new project is roughly $1.273 million.

After the presentation commissioners asked about prior compliance history; a staff member said there were no prior non‑compliance issues. The commission then moved and seconded to grant a waiver of non‑compliance for Airtoomic’s abatements and to evaluate the individual cases. The commission approved the waiver by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

The commission next considered case KC 2026‑46 (a 2018 abatement), moved and seconded a motion to find the company in compliance for that case, and approved it by voice vote. The commission later combined EDC cases 2026‑47 and 2026‑48 (newer abatements) for consideration, moved and seconded a motion to find compliance, and approved those combined cases by voice vote with no opposition recorded.

Staff and the company discussed next steps for a new project, with staff saying they would email Mislin that afternoon to begin the process for a new abatement application for the forthcoming work. Mislin noted internal approvals are complete and that office fit‑outs must begin in July to accommodate staff and floor work.

The commission closed with thanks to the company and a brief condolence to Commissioner Lee Hajin on the passing of his wife, Helen Hajin. The meeting adjourned after a motion and voice vote in favor.