[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6219972,"mediaKeyId","3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b","parentId",3619428,"title","Findlay mayor proposes 1% income-tax rebate program to target higher‑paying jobs","audioSeconds",1379,"startMs",3535000,"endMs",4914000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b&start=3535&end=4914","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b/thumbnail_3535000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6219972/Findlay-City/Hancock-County/Ohio/Findlay-mayor-proposes-1-income-tax-rebate-program-to-target-higherpaying-jobs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219972-e66885efe7152850ae2c4806b0590d6d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178563&Signature=Vn2edy7XaWQLdrZ9Gvne-8LYGAFj6ZdrbMuL8NduPHcnzhQ6cZJ0ujWvhfMFV1ENgJaAWfSEgppOF0YlqgM4VNHSfA7fJO20cKMW~r3LhrS7O05y-~VB92GyLm0YZu-aStcvnrAqkU5IhSd1s4Oce3FnMgqG0V2GnzdQ0~AcbhBJdazZw3Bhgu0MVcVuTM3lWAWfh5K0m-8gP5eOpg3XJ1uq3dagR60fYA-set0kMhwSSCL1pBlzATT-l1nfd-RjoWum89rkBe7FLzYz1xO1iEeoP3BcORexKfKTA7xJy0WmEOSe9q~O7W3~4H6kQKgKHwqufLy9ngx00NqQqo2rpQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Findlay, OH ","date","2025-06-02T09:41:51.103Z","article","At a Strategic Planning Committee meeting, the mayor presented a concept for a city income-tax withholding rebate to help attract and retain higher-paying jobs and certain target industries. The committee voted to ask the mayor to further develop the proposal.

The mayor argued the city currently cannot claim to offer an income-tax incentive and that a structured rebate would give Findlay an additional tool for site selectors and recruiters. \"We don't have the ability to say that we offer an income tax incentive of any kind,\" the mayor said.

Proposal highlights presented by staff included a targeted list of industries (corporate headquarters/management offices, health care, energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, finance, information technology, and other cases by council review) tied to specific NAICS codes. The draft would be an application-driven rebate on withholding and would include tiers for attraction and expansion: smaller, short-term rebates for modest hires and larger, multi-year rebates for projects that deliver high counts of high-wage positions.

Example tiers discussed in staff modeling (presented as illustrative only): a small attraction tier for a business adding a handful of mid‑level positions could qualify for a one‑year, lower‑percentage rebate; a larger attraction tier for major, high‑wage projects could receive up to 80% withholding rebate for multiple years if the company hires defined numbers of qualifying employees. Staff stressed the rebate would be a contract-based, auditable reimbursement paid after payroll and reporting milestones are met.

Questions from committee members focused on administration and accountability: how the city would track and audit new jobs, avoid incentive gaming (for example, shifting jobs between firms to claim rebates), and estimate the annual budget impact. The mayor said businesses would submit expected hiring in advance and that the city would require ongoing reporting to receive payments. \"The businesses have to submit in advance so we will be able to appropriately budget that,\" staff said.

Formal action: A motion to ask the mayor to continue fleshing out the rebate concept passed on a voice vote; details and final program design will return to committee before any ordinance or administrative process is adopted.

Ending: Staff will consult with the auditor, economic development partners and peer cities, and report recommended application forms, proof-of-hire procedures, and budget estimates to the committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","2025-05-30: Strategic Planning Committee","oneSentenceSummary","The mayor presented a draft income-tax withholding rebate program to attract and retain targeted industries and higher‑paying jobs, using tiered rebates tied to NAICS codes and job counts. The committee voted to ask the mayor to continue fleshing out the proposal and return with details.","taxTitle","Findlay City, Hancock County , Ohio","taxId",52832,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6219977,"Findlay committee backs updating CRA boundaries and studying sunset to post‑1994 structure",1220,2292000,3512000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b&start=2292&end=3512","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b/thumbnail_2292000.jpg","/articles/6219977/Findlay-City/Hancock-County/Ohio/Findlay-committee-backs-updating-CRA-boundaries-and-studying-sunset-to-post1994-structure","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219977-d527812bf1bc9ad34b725bdd03e7968f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178563&Signature=kSGkXQn4jvpyHncCwCBsawcVJC4i-KlAIcWVJ4LKXsPwCdY65A4t9qD0i-KtMd3CbOHFSF6E2-ZyxCcyzgpz0ArV8yJzz9XuWMAjhrE3EbX1MWpWDb9zFekBDR67nWeAlo4lb56KdYeb0qLtBau3PX5oHBv2f57D2qRSykUdjoiAjzUu410fG3Nt76g89yPo1nE087E8sv4Njm2ome2OEFNMUC1C0TGaVzabTxxsN826tceK77lK-8-JoR8~BgXVJbwhznSWqk9fW8rfdQaybj1QVM1Z8dMLbqBxYwZ1rJZy31qafk1xRhNemGcKdhXT1PmygNSFkO1TBjXDmlpPWg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Strategic Planning Committee meeting, staff recommended updating the city's Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) boundaries to match current corporation limits and begin a process to move from a pre‑1994 CRA structure to a post‑1994 structure with project‑by‑project abatement decisions.

The mayor explained the change is largely prompted by a state rule change and outside counsel's review: \"Our CRA currently is worded to be a citywide CRA,\" the mayor said, then described counsel's recommendation to update the map to the current Findlay corporation limits and to outline a transition process. Staff said a pre‑1994 CRA structure has different abatement rules and that a move to a post‑1994 CRA would allow council to evaluate individual projects and abatement levels.

Why it matters: CRA language and classification determine how property tax abatements are granted and how many times boundaries can be amended before legal limits require a different process. Staff said the update is intended to confirm the city's compliance with state code changes and reduce potential legal risk.

Key clarifications from staff and counsel included: update the CRA to current city boundaries; allow projects already underway to qualify under the existing (pre‑1994) structure if they meet construction and certificate-of-occupancy deadlines; and then sunset the pre‑1994 approach so new projects are handled under the post‑1994 framework. Outside counsel will prepare draft legislation and implementation language for committee and council review.

Formal action: A committee member moved \"that we recommend that the mayor move forward with changes to the pre 1994 CRA update on specific boundaries\" and with \"sunset of the current CRA and establishment of a post '94 CRA.\" The motion passed on an aye/nay voice vote; the meeting record does not show an individual roll-call tally.

Discussion vs. decision: The committee voted to recommend staff move forward with boundary updates and legal work; final adoption of any ordinance or abatement policy requires council action and, where applicable, school board involvement for abatement levels above specified thresholds.

Ending: Staff will work with outside counsel and council to draft clarifying legislation and return with specific boundary maps and recommended timelines for sunsetting the pre‑1994 approach.","Committee members recommended the mayor update the citywide Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) boundary map and study moving from the city's pre‑1994 CRA structure to a post‑1994 approach that would make abatement decisions project-specific; a motion to proceed passed in committee.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6219981,"Findlay officials discuss development agreements, roadway and hotel proposals at southwest 99/75",757,1493000,2250000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b&start=1493&end=2250","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b/thumbnail_1493000.jpg","/articles/6219981/Findlay-City/Hancock-County/Ohio/Findlay-officials-discuss-development-agreements-roadway-and-hotel-proposals-at-southwest-9975","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219981-7b696bd1c5f83f53b518df115735ecca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178563&Signature=bU0X-L9ueOmmRwtYezQByASWbgpe3ryQB1uioTwAmxnG9HrYUWnmNs6ROqMhVdkDmWQ4MERObc1jKCxvEgrpzHjrZzfYI3l2869Xi1nuTm9j44pC3HRBaLN-qJioq6gxwNfAnA8U41aOYHvEpbieXhXVSVGN9t9aHfAxm2016oDJr8EBHshpsnFWYVMYt0OoKmVFw3Eqyaya8Ft8e70eOjbvL6qucnOZOJJ3dfMuJjGRvYB4BGGGg5F71W5AfI0GFO1C2puWDNWlRHw8B26xGlI8IRmGnet0kOWeSADm9dP8amoEXYfRaY~WcXGhCW1bElyUA8ipAfokz2U~hTvsog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a Strategic Planning Committee meeting, staff briefed members on development agreements being negotiated for the southwest corner of state routes 99 and I‑75, where developers have proposed a hotel and additional development and where city-built infrastructure could unlock multiple parcels.

The mayor described a roughly $1,400,000 estimated cost to build the initial connector roadway and said developers proposed multi-year payments to help cover that cost. \"If you're willing to put in infrastructure, we will pay over a 10 year period, for that in investment. So a hundred and $40,000 for 10 years,\" the mayor said, describing an initial proposal from the Casto development team. The mayor said a separate hospitality group (Sunrise Hospitality) had proposed about $80,000 per year for 10 years.

Why it matters: The connector roadway would link multiple property owners and is seen as necessary to unlock development on lots that are landlocked or constrained by wetlands. One developer has offered to sell the city the parcel needed for the roadway and related connectivity; staff said they are still negotiating price and contract language.

Staff and counsel discussed safeguards. A committee member recommended that the city attorney or outside counsel take the lead in reviewing any agreement and cautioned that development agreements can expose the city to financial risk. Committee counsel emphasized the need for \"enough hooks\" in contracts so the city is not left financially responsible if developers do not meet commitments.

Debt and implementation: Staff said bonding could be used to front the cost, with payback structured from development agreements and other sources; Gregory (finance staff) and a law firm will be involved if debt issuance is pursued. The mayor noted the development agreement structure would be layered with the site's existing TIF considerations and would not replace TIF revenue, but could complement it.

Discussion vs. decision: The committee received the update and directed staff to continue negotiations and bring refined agreements, valuations and legal review back to the committee; no formal council action was taken at the meeting.

Ending: Staff indicated it will coordinate with the auditor, outside counsel and bond counsel to present a recommended structure to the committee before any final agreements or debt issuance goes to full council.","Committee members reviewed draft development agreements and infrastructure needs for a southwest Findlay site where a hotel and housing developer propose projects. Developers offered multi-year payments to offset roadway costs; staff discussed possible city purchase of parcels and debt issuance if needed.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6219986,"Findlay mayor proposes monthly operational forecast and shifts to capital funding rules",1022,420000,1442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b&start=420&end=1442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3619428-a986691334371785b9038c149de5369b/thumbnail_420000.jpg","/articles/6219986/Findlay-City/Hancock-County/Ohio/Findlay-mayor-proposes-monthly-operational-forecast-and-shifts-to-capital-funding-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6219986-04d058ef8fc562022719d1146dd6a919/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178563&Signature=P7ySTG9PP1f-LcEsDSOFLkis02ZTPiFASFyvtEN9vN9~FQWa6TVpN7naZ7jcz1T~xmp8UnPGuP57ABOzUloq-wneT9fSNWBeO3rixtc-JCyzK9dmltR-WfnVlI7YIpHAzpW2e~GC3LQpnAK1xAK1mtAuZlC08UrZMp6l4CVrkYuSx3ZDEfFU16HNgutsfcMkkz4WEfxNccC~88aLKu~OTfTd51qQzj13SN~OEJ~G0jzfZeACicUlLdRc9Xc-sXyA2hs3nJ1AkIMHcq9lH8NP4JNFPe8IxyvbAAcwVxQFsWhNnOVvJbdXRcOT3huW0mGvyDTzS9jqGarxh868nssFJA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At a City of Findlay Strategic Planning Committee meeting, Mayor (name not specified) told the committee staff has prepared a draft operational forecast and proposed changes to how the city allocates revenues between operations and capital to reduce year-to-year volatility.

The mayor said staff will move departments to a monthly budget model so the city can track performance year-round. \"One of the things that drive drives Rob Martin and my myself crazy is that it's the annual budget, and we don't really have a monthly breakdown,\" the mayor said.

Why it matters: Committee members heard the city has absorbed several one-time and shifting costs into its operating budget during recent years — including routine street repairs that historically had been treated as capital — and staff wants to avoid relying on highly variable revenue sources in operating calculations.

Key proposals discussed included allocating interest earnings and hotel-motel tax revenue directly to capital, and decreasing the portion of income-tax collections routed to operations from the current 80/20 split to a proposed 90/10 split. The mayor described moving interest earnings and hotel-motel receipts \"directly to capital\" so those variable streams would not be counted on for operating expenses.

Committee members and the auditor raised governance and transparency questions. The mayor proposed a one-year look-back approach so capital allocations for a given year would be set based on the prior year's actual collections, providing a buffer against refunds and collection timing issues. \"What we could instead do is look at doing a look back and that the capital allocation for the next year would be off of the prior year's collections,\" the mayor said.

Andrew (Auditor) cautioned that relying on variable revenue can create risk when interest income drops. \"Back in 2009 and 10, when rates dropped and went to 0, I mean, we saw a lot of communities really relying heavily on that within just general operations,\" Andrew said, arguing that directing those receipts to capital provides flexibility without exposing operations to sharp declines.

Officials noted recent nonrecurring uses of the general fund, which make year-to-year comparisons harder: a $2,885,000 tax refund paid this year; $2,000,000 paid to a severance fund; $4,700,000 toward flood mitigation; and $171,000 to the self-insurance fund. The mayor said those are examples of strategic, one-time transfers that should be visible in a formal operational forecast.

Discussion vs. decision: The committee discussed and directed staff to continue developing the operational forecast and modeling for the allocation changes; there was no formal vote on the funding-shift proposals at the meeting.

Ending: Staff said it will return with updated revenue projections from the auditor and updated forecast tables for review before any council action.","At a Strategic Planning Committee meeting, city leaders discussed an updated operational forecast, monthly budget tracking, and proposals to shift capital funding rules — including allocating interest and hotel-motel tax revenue to capital and changing the income-tax split from 80/20 to 90/10 — to reduce volatility in the general fund.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Findlay mayor proposes 1% income-tax rebate program to target higher‑paying jobs

Findlay committee backs updating CRA boundaries and studying sunset to post‑1994 structure

Findlay officials discuss development agreements, roadway and hotel proposals at southwest 99/75

Findlay mayor proposes monthly operational forecast and shifts to capital funding rules