Officials describe First Quality project, incentives and new business interest in Defiance

Erica Willitzer, CIC executive director, told the Defiance City Council on June 3 that rezoning for the First Quality paper mill in Delaware and Defiance townships is complete and that the project will move next into legal and incentive steps.

“We just last week, we finally got the last rezoning, process done that was approved by the trustees,” Willitzer said, adding that the next steps include completing legal paperwork and working with local governments on incentives.

Willitzer said one of the incentives the city and its partners are considering is a joint economic development district, or JED, which would allow an income tax on the district outside city limits to be redirected to repay water and sewer financing tied to the project.

“That’s where it’s outside of city limits, but an income tax is imposed,” Willitzer said. She added that the income tax could be used to “redirect it to pay off the loan” tied to Ohio Future Fund financing for water and sewer improvements that made the project possible.

Willitzer reported that the First Quality project has already increased developer interest in retail, restaurants and housing in Defiance. She also gave updates on other local business activity: Standard completed an expansion that Willitzer said will add about 70 positions, and Titan Mechanical is locating in Defiance at 850 Carpenter and expects about 20 jobs.

On the stalled Metalex project in the Enterprise Industrial Park, Willitzer said the timeline is delayed after the owner’s death and that no development is expected there in 2025. She said Standard’s expansion is underway and that Titan Mechanical had applied for a job-creation incentive that will be reviewed by the appropriate committee.

Council members asked follow-up questions about the mix of jobs and the kinds of housing developers are considering. Council member Hancock asked whether recent hiring has skewed toward skilled trades or general labor; Willitzer said most openings she has seen require skilled positions and that local educational institutions are helping fill training gaps.

Willitzer said the local economic picture has improved compared with five years earlier, with more developers returning calls and seeking sites in Defiance. She encouraged council members to connect businesses seeking assistance to programs and regional partners the CIC helps coordinate.

Willitzer closed by pointing to a new county video highlighting local assets and said she expects continuing activity tied to the mill and other projects.

Less-critical details: Willitzer said a First Quality incentives package and any agreement on revenue-sharing among the city, township and county are still under negotiation and will return to council and partner bodies for formal action.