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