NEW CARLISLE — New Carlisle's city council unanimously approved a tax abatement for I/N Tek I/N Kote. The city's plant sits between U.S. 20 and State Road 2. Six acres to the southeast is one of the sites being considered for an expansion that would bring new jobs.

Council members heard from the people before they voted, and no one spoke against the tax break. They say many people have seen what the company has done for the city and people so far, and an expansion will only bring more money and jobs to New Carlisle.

Downtown New Carlisle was quiet Tuesday night -- quiet enough to hear the collective sigh of relief that came after the tax abatement passed.

"I/N Tek has been very good for the town of New Carlisle economically," said Tom Keen, a resident who spoke in favor of the abatement.

"In light of the current economic situation, news like this puts people a little more at ease," said Tod Kegley, president of Union Steel Workers 9231 -- the union that represents 425 workers at I/N Tek I/N Kote.

The $240 million expansion would bring hundreds of construction jobs and 100 union steel worker jobs paying $23 an hour.

"They say for every steel worker job, there are four other jobs that come up. So, it has far a reaching impact on the community," said Kegley.

"Entry level jobs are great for everyone, so a young man or woman graduating from high school has a great opportunity as far as I'm concerned," said Keen.

New Carlisle is one of the towns being considered.

City and business leaders say the 10-year tax abatement keeps it in the running.

"Issues like that are critical to their decision making process," said Pat McMahon, executive director of Project Future -- a company that helps others expand in St. Joseph County.

McMahon says the tax abatement would still bring in an estimated $15 million over 10 years.

"It's a good deal for the entire area, not just New Carlisle," said New Carlisle council member Tom Colpits.

"The idea that companies will invest this kind of money during a time when the economy is slow is a good thing," said Kegley.

But it's not a sure thing yet.

"Until we see the dirt flying out there, it's not a done deal," said Colpits.

One person at the meeting was concerned about additional traffic that could come downtown with the expansion.

City council members say they can't regulate state highways.

But union leaders say that shouldn't be a problem because the plant would rely on railroads to transport materials.

Representatives from I/N Tek I/N Kote were at the meeting and plan to make an announcement soon.

If New Carlisle is selected, construction could begin this fall.