Local elected officials on Monday pledged their support for a package of incentives that will help ensure that Elanco Animal Health retains jobs and continues investment in its Fort Dodge plant.

The Webster County Board of Supervisors and the Fort Dodge City Council approved resolutions declaring their intent to support the incentives for the company.

“This town has long had a history of animal health,” said Councilman Dave Flattery. “We thank Elanco for their investment and ongoing investment.”

The council and the Board of Supervisors will both act on a number of measures in the near future to actually approve assistance for the company.

Leaders of Elanco Animal Health reaffirmed their commitment to the site at 800 Fifth St. N.W. following the company’s recent acquisition of Bayer’s animal health business. That purchase prompted a thorough review of all of the company’s plants.

“They have found that this is a real asset here,” said Dennis Plautz, the chief executive officer of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance.

The company has committed to retaining the current 441 jobs at the plant and adding 26 more.

It has also committed to investing $106 million there over the next six years.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority is poised to offer $2.2 million in direct incentives and $3.8 million in indirect financing and tax credits.

Webster County will offer a $500,000 grant.

Iowa Central Community College will offer a job training grant of $330,000.

The Fort Dodge city government will offer a tax increment financing rebate estimated at $480,000.

The city will also offer a rebate of 80 percent of the increased taxable value of the site, which is expected due to planned remodeling.

It will also annex the plant into the city limits, a move which will entitle the company to lower bills for water and sanitary sewer service. That is estimated to save the company more than $360,000 a year for the first five years.

The Board of Supervisors approved its resolution of support Monday morning. Supervisors Niki Conrad and Keith Dencklau were absent from the otherwise unanimous vote.

The City Council approved its resolution Monday evening.

Councilwoman Lydia Schuur was absent from the otherwise unanimous vote.