The Dalles City Council approved moving forward with establishment of a new Wasco County Joint Enterprise Zone.  The current enterprise zone structure expires on June 30.  In the new version, which would be in effect for ten years, the Port of The Dalles will join Wasco County and the City as a sponsor.  In addition Maupin, Dufur and Mosier will come on board along with the unincorporated areas of Tygh Valley, Wamic, and Pine Grove.  Enterprise zones negotiate tax-abatement agreements for qualifying new business developments, usually with the business making agreed upon payments for the length of the abatement.  Some taxing districts, most notably Mid-Columbia Fire and Rescue, have called for a change in how those payments are distributed by going to a set formula.  But City officials decided those discussions are a separate issue from establishing the new enterprise zone.