The Greeley City Council on Tuesday delayed its decision to change the city's economic development incentive plans to make sure they work for small businesses.

Jon Rarick spoke up during the public hearing on behalf of small businesses.

Rarick, president of Reusche & Co., said at first blush, he worried that the planned increases may hinder small business growth rather than help. Rarick's company, which makes enamels for glass and ceramics, has been in Greeley 10 years.

At present, the city of Greeley offers one-time tax incentives for new or expanding businesses' construction in the city. If businesses spend $100,000 or more on their building or expansions, the city will waive building fees and taxes for up to one year.

Kelly Peters, Greeley's economic development manager, has proposed increasing that to $1 million. If this change is passed, she said, the city would have the same requirement as Weld County.

Peters briefly met with Rarick about his concerns and explained that a $100,000 investment only equals about $300 in annual tax credits, which isn't much of an incentive.

"We feel it just isn't worth having in the code at a $300 value," Peters said.

Rarick said he was happy the council delayed its decision so everyone has more time to understand the effects of the changes.

Peters said the changes are updates that reflect changes in the market in the last 10 years. The changes should maintain the city's goals for a business-friendly environment, Peters said.

Other proposed changes for tax incentives include doubling minimum investments in equipment to $500,000, and some modifications to incentive packages for businesses based on wages and health care.