FARGO — CI Sport Inc. has received a five-year property tax break as it plans its move from its crowded downtown facility into the vacant former Gander Mountain building along Interstate 94 in south Fargo.

Fargo City Commissioners voted 4-1 on Monday night, Feb. 11., for the tax break of about $30,000 per year on the $1.75 million building at 2121 43rd St. S. The land the building sits on, owned by a group of investors, will still pay taxes on its estimated market value of $2 million.

City Commissioner Tony Gehrig opposed the break, as he often does upon such requests, after asking co-owner Warren Ackley if the project would be nixed without the tax break. Despite Ackley saying yes, Gehrig still voted no.

Ackley responded by saying not only were they occupying a vacant building, but that they were hiring an additional 40 people. Also, he said once the move was made, they would consider a second project with the building they currently operate out of next to the Old Broadway bar and restaurant on Broadway.

City Commissioner John Strand said he thought it was important that the company that designs, develops and provides printing on apparel and soft goods nationwide was planning to pay a "living wage" of $15 an hour for its new workers. He also asked if the company had any other tax breaks they were operating under and Ackley said "no." Randy Thorson is president of the company.