Ashland City Council Approves Tax Abatement Transfer for Hampton Inn Renovation

During the Ashland City Council meeting on July 15, 2025, significant discussions centered around tax incentives and union contracts, reflecting the city's ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth and ensure fair labor practices.

One of the primary topics was the approval of a name change for the LLC that owns the Hampton Inn, which necessitated the council's approval to transfer a previously granted 60% tax abatement for three remaining years. This move is not a new incentive but rather a procedural requirement due to the renaming of the LLC from Tara SPK Hospitality to Terra SPK 1 0 8, LLC. The council unanimously supported this transfer, indicating a streamlined approach to maintaining existing business incentives.

The meeting also highlighted the success of past tax incentives aimed at attracting developers to Ashland. Mayor's remarks emphasized that the city had successfully drawn interest from developers, a marked change from eight years ago when attracting investment was a significant challenge. The council discussed modifying existing community reinvestment tax incentives to allow for more flexible negotiations with developers. The proposed changes would adjust the language from fixed percentages of tax abatements to "up to" 100% or 75%, providing the city with the ability to tailor incentives based on the merits of specific projects. This shift reflects a growing confidence in Ashland's market viability and aims to ensure that incentives are used judiciously.

Additionally, the council addressed two ordinances related to contracts with the Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association for sergeants, lieutenants, and patrolmen. These contracts included adjustments to pay structures, eliminating a professional pay stipend and redistributing those funds into hourly wages. The decision to negotiate a one-year contract instead of the usual three-year term was made to allow for a better understanding of future economic conditions before committing to longer-term salary agreements.

Overall, the meeting underscored Ashland's proactive stance in fostering economic development while ensuring fair labor practices. The council's decisions reflect a strategic approach to managing resources and incentives, aiming to create a sustainable environment for growth and community well-being. As the city moves forward, the implications of these discussions will likely shape Ashland's economic landscape in the coming years.