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Morrow County commissioners appropriate $6 million for public‑private gas pipeline project
Summary
Commissioners approved an immediate $6 million appropriation to cover early bills on a roughly $6.5 million public‑private gas pipeline built by Consolidated Cooperative that the county financed with a bond to be reimbursed by TIF revenues.
Morrow County commissioners on Wednesday approved a $6,000,000 appropriation to pay initial bills on a public‑private natural gas pipeline project the county financed with bonds and expects to be reimbursed through tax increment financing (TIF) tied to planned commercial development.
The money will cover early invoices for a project county staff described as a roughly $6.5 million, 12‑inch pipeline built by Consolidated Cooperative. County staff said Consolidated will build, maintain and operate the line and that payments from users and TIF receipts will reimburse the county for the upfront bond proceeds.
Jamie, a county staff member involved in the project, told commissioners, “This has been two years in the making. It's a public‑private partnership that we have with Consolidated Cooperative.” Jamie said the county raised funds through a bond and that the Morrow County Development Authority and Consolidated manage construction and ongoing service arrangements.
County staff described the project as a 12‑inch pipeline running from near mile marker 314 to a point near 229 and then down toward the freeway. Jamie said the county has already received a first bill of $1,300,000 for materials and about $500,000 for labor and that the project manager expects to finish by October, though the timeline is weather dependent and the contractor has about 18 months remaining on the work.
Cheryl, a county finance staff member, said the board was being asked to appropriate $6,000,000 now; the full project budget was described to the board as approximately $6,500,000. Commissioners voted unanimously to approve the appropriation.
Why it matters: the county paid bond proceeds up front and will rely on future TIF receipts tied to planned commercial tenants (identified in staff remarks as Dollar Tree and H&M) to reimburse the county. Commissioners did not adopt new TIF policy language during the meeting; staff said the reimbursement will come from TIF dollars as those receipts arrive.
Discussion and next steps: commissioners had limited discussion during the appropriation vote; staff said the development authority is managing agreements and will handle billing and reimbursements. The project remains subject to construction schedule and weather. No additional directions to staff were recorded during the appropriation item, and no amendments were proposed.
Ending: The appropriation passed by roll call. Commissioners indicated they will monitor bills as they arrive and that the development authority will oversee contractual and operational matters tied to the pipeline.
