MONTICELLO — The Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) on Tuesday extended a sales tax abatement for a North Branch cider mill project through Sept. 30, as officials said the development has faced financing delays since its approval in 2023.

The extension applies to the Homestedt, LLC and North Branch Cider Mill LLC project, allowing continued exemption from sales tax on construction materials and equipment during that period.

During the meeting, board members noted the project has required multiple extensions since first receiving approval. IDA Executive Director Jennifer Flad said the project’s financing took longer than expected, with a major loan closing about a year after initial approval.

“They had a lot more trouble getting financing than they thought they would have,” Flad said.

Officials said the project is still moving forward, with work ongoing but not yet complete.

A sales tax abatement allows developers to avoid paying sales tax on project-related purchases, reducing upfront construction costs. The value of the incentive depends on the amount of materials and equipment purchased.

The board approved the extension without opposition.

The agency also approved a change in ownership for an existing project in the Town of Rockland.

The board approved transferring control of the project at 672 Old Route 17 from Theowins, LLC and Global Natural Foods Inc. to Catskill East LLC.

Officials explained that the IDA technically owns the property during the life of the project, meaning the agency must approve any change in ownership.

The building is occupied by Catskill Brewery and Global Natural Foods. Officials said the change is tied to a buyout of ownership interests connected to the project.

Rather than a typical real estate sale, the action transfers control of the project and its agreements with the IDA to the new entity.

About six years remain before the project is expected to return to private ownership.

The resolution was approved without opposition.

The meeting closed with an executive session where members discussed pending litigation against the IDA behind closed doors.