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Heath EDC approves funding language to underwrite shared property‑maintenance services
Summary
The Heath EDC and MBC approved a resolution to fund a shared, city‑administered property‑maintenance program to manage newly acquired EDC properties; board members said a full‑time, city‑supervised position (annual loaded cost estimated about $81,006) is more reliable than recurring contractor costs.
The Heath Economic Development Corporation and Heath Municipal Benefits Corporation voted Dec. 11 to approve a resolution authorizing funding for shared property‑maintenance services to care for recently acquired EDC properties, including the 21‑acre parcel and adjacent holdings on Lawrence Drive.
Board presentations described a recommended approach in which the city would hire and supervise maintenance staff as city employees while the EDC/MBC would subsidize part of the cost. Mr. Koepke, presenting the analysis, said initial projections “thought it would be around $70,000 a year. The true cost was $81,006.” He and staff proposed splitting that recurring, loaded cost between the EDC and the MBC.
Board members contrasted that estimate with contractor quotes for large‑area mowing and maintenance. The board heard examples of recurring contractor bills — roughly $2,800–$3,000 per mow for the 21‑acre parcel — and were told the city’s existing public‑works and parks crews could provide supervisory depth and specialized skills to support the work.
The board discussed scope and reporting lines: the employee would be a city worker under public‑works/parks supervision, with the EDC setting priorities and funding a portion of the position. The presentation noted the former maintenance line item in the EDC budget had been about $40,000 before the recent acquisitions and that the addition of the two Lawrence properties and reserve trails pushed projected recurring maintenance beyond the old budget.
The resolution on page 71 (as amended during debate to broaden the EDC project scope language) carried on a voice vote. Board members said they expect annual review of the funding contribution and the option of converting to other arrangements if the reserves or property revenue permit downsizing in future years.
Next steps: staff will finalize the resolution language, implement the funding mechanism with city payroll and public‑works oversight, and return to the board as required with budget updates or contract alternatives.
