By AP/KWMU
Alton, Ill. – The city of Alton wants Mississippi Lime Company to pay back $285,000 in financial help that the city gave it to finalize a land deal eight years ago.
The grant apparently had conditions, including that the company -- founded in Alton in 1907 -- stay headquartered in that Mississippi River city for at least ten years. But Mississippi Lime moved its base last year to St. Louis County.
Mississippi Lime says its decision to move was made for important business reasons, including that its main quarry is in Missouri, south of St. Louis. It sold its Alton quarry about two years ago.
The 1998 deal came about as part of the city's efforts to get an Illinois-American Water Company treatment plant in Alton.