Portage County commissioners voted unanimously to enter an enterprise-zone tax-abatement agreement with Brimfield Senior Living LLC, authorizing a 60% abatement on improvements for 10 years for the proposed Villages of Saint Edwards of Brimfield senior living project.
The board voted after a presentation by the project representative and an extended discussion about public-safety capacity and the distribution of tax revenue. The resolution passed on a roll call with Commissioners Sabrina, Jill and Mike recording "yes."
Why it matters: The agreement is intended to spur construction and jobs while deferring a portion of property-tax revenue for a set period; commissioners and trustees also discussed how the project's later TIF overlay is expected to generate funds that could be used for local services.
County and township officials said the application followed the local review process. Mark Gudetti, legal consultant for Brimfield Township, told the commissioners that police and fire departments had been notified during trustee meetings and that trustees had passed a resolution in favor of the project. "Police and fire at those meetings have the opportunity to weigh in both at the meeting and outside of the meeting," Gudetti said.
Commissioner Terry Sayberger urged caution on emergency response capacity and resident safety. Sayberger said he had recently visited a new care facility where an automated external defibrillator (AED) was not present and warned of strain on mutual-aid arrangements between fire departments. "My concern is the additional burden that it puts upon safety forces," Sayberger said, asking that local fire and police be involved in planning and that the county monitor impacts.
Project details presented to the board describe a construction investment in the multimillions and a payroll stream the applicant said would support local jobs. County staff and the applicant noted the project has been before local zoning panels for more than two years and that the school district and trustees received notice as part of the review.
Commissioners discussed the typical structure of enterprise-zone deals, noting the county previously approved similar 60%-for-10-year packages. Staff said the abatement applies to improvements only; land taxes remain payable. County economic development staff also noted a TIF overlay will follow the enterprise-zone period, which can produce revenue for statutorily authorized local uses, including public-safety or infrastructure projects.
Outcome and next steps: The board approved entering the enterprise-zone agreement by roll call. The county will proceed with the agreement documentation. Local officials said they will monitor safety and service impacts and that the TIF revenues later could support municipal needs.