County OKs lease to retain company
Commissioners sealed a deal with The Odom Corp. for their expansion to a larger building.
By ANDY PORTER of the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin
Port of Walla Walla commissioners Wednesday moved to seal a deal that will allow a major beverage distributor to expand its operations in Walla Walla.
Port commissioners approved a lease with The Odom Corp. to allow the company to move into a Port-owned facility on Isaacs Avenue. Port commissioners also moved to proceed with improvements to the building to accommodate the company.
Company and Port officials announced Wednesday the distributorship plans to move from its current location on Abadie Street into the larger Isaacs Avenue building starting in February. The move will consolidate Odom's operations in Walla Walla and the Tri-Cities, adding five full-time positions and three to five part-time jobs in Walla Walla.
Odom Northwest Beverage, the local division of The Odom Corp., distributes beer, wine, soft drinks and water throughout Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. The 70-year old company started in Alaska, where it continues to operate, and moved to Walla Walla in 1999.
The company has agreed to a five-year lease with two five-year options, said Jim Kuntz, Port executive director.
Monthly payments, including a state leasehold tax, will be about $14,900.
Port commissioners also approved a budget, not to exceed $600,000, for improvements to the building to accommodate the business.
Rather than draw down the Port's cash reserves, Port commissioners directed Kuntz to put out a request for proposals to local banks for a $500,000 loan, which will be paid back with revenues from the lease agreement.
IN OTHER ACTION
The Port of Walla Walla commission on Wednesday also:
Agreed to allow the Port to be the applicant for a $300,000 federal grant the city of Walla Walla is seeking to assess conditions at the old Tausick landfill area west of Tausick Way. Walla Walla Public Works Director Hal Thomas told Port commissioners the assessment is needed before the city can develop the area for light commercial or industrial uses.
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