At last Tuesday night's work session, representatives from Equity Group, including general manager Randy Cline, presented a proposal to the commission requesting an abatement of sales tax totaling approximately $60,000 on $2.9 million worth of equipment upgrades and a yearly abatement of its $10,000 a year for non-educational property tax for a period of 10 years.

The abatement would come from both Barbour County and the state.

"By becoming automated we cam become more competitive and stay competitive in our industry," Cline said.

According to Cline, the proposed $4.7 million project is still awaiting final approval from its corporate headquarters and the commission's willingness to approve the abatement could help secure the approval.

"It can have an influence," he said. "At the same time, it's not a make-or-break deal. This is something we need to do to make sure we stay competitive, so regardless of what happens with the commission we could still get approval, but it sure would help."

There was little discussion from the commission Tuesday, citing a need to review the information provided by Equity Group, which employees approximately 1,600 employees in its Eufaula Division.

"We just need to look things over," commissioner Berry Forte said.

"We need to take a look at the information, but we understand (Equity Group) needs a decision as quickly as possible," Chairman Earl Gilmore said.

Equity Group, an affiliate of Keystone Foods and a major supplier to McDonald's, purchased its hatchery in Eufaula, processing plant in Baker Hill and its feed mill in Pike County from Charoen Pokphand in 2004.