Rossford council rejects purchase of Northwest Ohio Rib Off rights after public debate

Rossford City Council on Sept. 29, 2025, voted down Ordinance 2025-78, a proposal authorizing the city to purchase the rights to the Northwest Ohio Rib Off from The Blade, after public comment and several council members raised concerns about cost and risk. The measure failed 4-3 (No: Tinney, Heckle, Toth, Reynolds; Yes: Heben, Owen, Oberdorf).

The ordinance would have authorized Rossford to buy the trade name Northwest Ohio Rib Off as registered in Ohio, the event logo and associated assets, a contact list of previous vendors and sponsors, event production contacts, certain event supplies and signage, up to 20 hours of consulting with the Rib Off event director, and advertising placed in The Blade valued at $40,000 per year for 2026–2029. The purchase price discussed at the meeting was $130,000.

Supporters said buying the rights would give the city a turnkey event with marketing and production support. A city presenter identified as Nate described the package and told the council that the city “would be the purchaser of the Northwest Ohio Rib Off” and would “have full rights to the Rib Off logo and other associated assets.” The presenter said the Rib Off had returned more than $500,000 to the event over 14 years and said established promoters (identified at the meeting as John Atolla of JNP Concerts) had experience producing large regional events.

Opponents and several residents argued the purchase was risky and that the city could instead build a locally owned festival. One resident who identified themself as Jennings said buying the rights and the infrastructure presented “a very big risk,” noting the possibility of weather-related losses and the city’s existing budget pressures to staff public safety. Several commenters questioned whether the advertising value would reach target audiences, noting that younger potential visitors rely more on social media than print newspapers.

Council members debated financial and operational details during public comment and council discussion. Questions raised included the estimated production costs for headline acts (a presenter estimated artist costs “under $100,000, probably closer to more like $50,000 each”), whether alcohol sales would affect city revenue, and whether the purchase represented a permanent, perpetual acquisition rather than a limited four-year contract; a presenter told the council the purchase would be indefinite (it could be sold later, like other city assets).

Council members who voted no said they were not comfortable moving forward without further detail on total estimated costs, contingency plans, and clearer evidence that the advertising and infrastructure purchased would be sufficient to make the event viable without exposing taxpayers to downside risk. Members who voted yes said the event could draw visitors to downtown Rossford and that the advertising and existing promoter relationships provided a leg up on launching a signature festival.

With the ordinance defeated, the city will not proceed under the terms presented in Ordinance 2025-78. Council members and residents reflected that the discussion showed interest in hosting signature events but also a desire for more detailed budgets, logistical plans, and risk mitigation before committing public funds or permanently buying an event brand.