(1) Property of an authorized business firm is exempt from ad valorem property taxation if:

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(a) The property is qualified property under ORS § 285C.359;

(b) The firm meets the qualifications under ORS § 285C.200; and

(c) The firm has entered into a first-source hiring agreement under ORS § 285C.215.

(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(b) of this section, property that otherwise qualifies under subsection (1) of this section is exempt from ad valorem property taxation if:

(a) At the time the zone sponsor approves the application of the firm for authorization pursuant to ORS § 285C.356, the governing body of the zone sponsor adopts a resolution waiving the requirements of ORS § 285C.200 (1)(c) and (e) with respect to the application; and

(b) The firm completes an investment of $5 million or more in qualified property.

(3)(a) Property described in subsection (1) or (2) of this section is exempt from ad valorem property taxation only to the extent the real market value of the property, when added to the real market value of all other property in the rural renewable energy development zone that has received an exemption under this section, is less than the exemption authorization level established for the zone under ORS § 285C.353 (4).

(b) For purposes of this subsection, real market value shall be determined as of the assessment date for the first year that property is exempt under this section.

(4) The exemption allowed under this section applies to the first tax year for which, as of January 1 preceding the tax year, the qualified property is in service. The exemption shall continue for the next two succeeding tax years if the property continues to be owned or leased by the business firm, operated to generate renewable energy or to support or maintain renewable energy facilities, and located in the rural renewable energy development zone.

(5)(a) The exemption allowed under this section may continue for up to two additional tax years consecutively following the tax years described in subsection (4) of this section if authorized by a written agreement entered into by the firm and the sponsor under ORS § 285C.160.

(b) Notwithstanding ORS § 285C.160, a contiguous county that applied for a rural renewable energy development zone designation may elect to not participate in a two-year extension of the exemption under this subsection. The election shall be made by resolution of the governing body of the contiguous county on or before execution of the written agreement between the firm and the sponsor under ORS § 285C.160. [2003 c.662 § 73; 2013 c.385 § 1]