ELKHART — Elkhart’s Finance Committee signed off on plan that would simplify the process when business and industry update tax abatement paperwork.

Representatives of companies that have existing tax abatement agreements with the city are expected to appear before city council for an annual review process.

The proposal make it clear that if a company’s paperwork for annual renewals during the tax abatement period is in good standing, representatives of the companies will not have to appear before city council for the annual updates.

The change is an attempt to make the process less cumbersome for businesses and is a signal that the city of Elkhart is business-friendly, said Barkley Garrett, director of economic development for the city who spoke on behalf of the proposal Thursday during a finance committee meeting.

Tax abatement renewals occur in the spring during a 45-day window and Garrett said it is difficult at times to schedule representatives within that time frame.

The city has about 22 abatement agreements that extend for various lengths, Garrett said.

The panel approved the plan, which now goes to city council for a final vote.

Some of the company representatives have had to come from out of state to appear before council and Garrett said that such personal appearances aren’t really necessary since they company fills out paperwork attesting to details of the abatement.

Garrett said other surrounding cities already have similar policies.

Elkhart City Council is expected to review the proposal today when it meets at 7 p.m.