City Council Chair Jenny Hill on Tuesday questioned whether the city should consider a "clawback" on a PILOT tax break for Steam Logistics in light of a sharp drop in employment at the downtown firm.
She noted, "They've got 300 jobs fewer" than was promised in the PILOT agreement.
Chair Hill said, "Right now we've spent a whole lot of money for 59 jobs."
Cherita Allen, city economic development director, said at one time Steam Logistics had the promised 360 jobs, but had been hurt by "the trade issues."
She said it is not a large PILOT - $525,420 - as PILOTs go, and she said the firm has spent $800,000 more than the pledged investment.
She also noted that the project led to the remodeling of the John Ross Building that had been vacant for decades, activating the area around Fourth and Market.
Council members also questioned the pace of The Bend and indicated they will ask developers of the former Alstom site for an update.
Chair Hill said funds from The Bend TIF (Tax Increment Financing) are vitally important to the success of the One Westside Plan nearby on Cameron Hill.