Council finds Access Cadiz in default of 2020 investment agreement; directs staff to pursue remedies

The Columbus City Council on Feb. 18 adopted a resolution finding Access Cadiz, Inc., in default of a 2020 investment and job-creation retention agreement and authorized city staff to take actions to recover funds and enforce penalties laid out in the contract.

City staff explained the resolution implements a step in the original agreement—s compliance process. Access Cadiz had earlier met some of its commitments but showed reduced employment and organizational turnover in recent years. City economic-development staff and the council—s Incentive Review Committee reviewed the company—s records and met with company representatives; the committee recommended limited additional time for the company to establish a local office and demonstrate employment growth, but some council members pressed for formal enforcement.

Company representative Sanjay Raut addressed the council and said he had recently joined the company—s U.S. operation and presented a plan to establish a physical office in Columbus and grow to roughly 14 U.S. employees by the end of the company—s financial year. Several council members said they appreciated the company—s new U.S. representative but stressed that the city had already given multiple extensions and that compliance had lapsed for multiple years.

After debate, the council voted 9-0 to adopt the resolution finding Access Cadiz in default and authorized city administration to take actions consistent with the agreement to recover funds and pursue remedies. Council members said the action did not foreclose future partnership if the company satisfied obligations; several members said the city must be consistent in enforcing agreements so as not to disadvantage local businesses that met their obligations.

Staff noted the resolution empowers administrators to pursue collection and other enforcement steps described in the original agreement.

The resolution passed by roll call, 9-0.