Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development Incentives topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council holds first readings on TIF and CRA deals for Sheets site, advances CRA with A Plus Powder Coaters
Summary
Council heard first readings of a tax-increment financing ordinance for the Sheets site and two CRA resolutions for A Plus Powder Coaters; supporters said the measures will incentivize redevelopment without reducing school district tax receipts.
City staff and council members discussed incentive measures tied to redevelopment of the property known in the meeting as the Sheets site and related parcels during the May 6 Columbiana City Council meeting.
Mark (staff member) described an ordinance (first reading) declaring improvements to certain parcels as a public purpose and authorizing a tax-increment financing (TIF) agreement. He said the proposal relies on Ohio Revised Code sections 5709.4, 5709.42 and 5709.43 and allows up to 30 years of service payments in lieu of taxes (PILOTs) with the school district receiving its full tax share "so there's no disadvantage to the school district," in Mark's wording. He explained each parcel would receive a 30‑year TIF term calculated from when a building is constructed, not from today.
Also on the agenda were two first‑reading resolutions authorizing the city manager to execute Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreements with A Plus Powder Coaters Inc. Council discussion noted the CRA recommendation from the CRA committee of a 10‑year, 75% tax abatement, a structure similar to a prior abatement used by the city. The city recorded the required notification to the school board for that type of abatement.
Councilmembers asked about timing and caps; one member asked to review the draft TIF agreement before second reading and noted the Arrowhead Park precedent where the council had capped an earlier agreement. The city said a draft of the TIF agreement will be available before the next reading. Several council members expressed support for cleaning up a long-vacant site and making the project financially feasible for a private developer.
All first-readings and the CRA resolutions were advanced on first reading; roll-call votes were recorded as part of the meeting record. The council did not take final action on the TIF ordinance or the CRA resolutions at the May 6 meeting; those items were presented for initial consideration.
Councilmembers and staff emphasized the city will reimburse developers from service payments received and that if no payments are received for a given year the city would not pay beyond receipts. Staff said legal counsel and developer counsel were involved in drafting the agreements.
