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Lima City Council approves four ordinances on first reading, hears proposal for Murfin Inc. enterprise zone
Summary
The council passed four ordinances on first reading (each 8–0), authorized the clerk to object to a liquor permit application, and heard a presentation seeking a 75% property tax abatement for Murfin Inc. (doing business as Murphy Tractor) on a 10–12 acre Commerce Parkway parcel.
The Lima City Council approved four ordinances on first reading and authorized city staff to file an objection to a liquor-permit application, then heard a presentation about a proposed enterprise zone for Murfin Inc., doing business as Murphy Tractor.
Councilor Meeple moved and the motion was seconded to pass Ordinance 2 52 25, an amendment to the 2025 annual budget; the ordinance passed its first reading by an 8–0 roll-call vote. The council then moved and passed Ordinance 2 53 25, which would authorize the city to enter an enterprise zone agreement with Murfin Inc. under Chapter 5709 of the Ohio Revised Code; Ordinance 2 54 25, authorizing the mayor to amend a contract with Midwest Air Power LLC; and Ordinance 2 55 25, authorizing a contract with Murphy Tractor and Equipment Company, Inc., for the utilities department. All three also passed on first reading by recorded votes of 8–0.
Why it matters: the enterprise zone ordinance would enable a property tax abatement intended to make a proposed relocation viable. Cindy Lease of the Allen Economic Development Group told the council that Murfin (doing business as Murphy Tractor) is considering a Commerce Parkway parcel west of Perry ProTech, and requested 10 to 12 acres plus a 75% property tax abatement for 10 years. "They would like to be visible to I‑75… They requested 10 to 12 acres," Lease said, and asked the council to consider passage by emergency so the company could go to county commissioners before the end of the year.
Lease said the Port Authority agreed to sell the parcel, that the company hopes to begin construction in 2026 if approvals proceed, and that the Perry School District and Apollo were notified of the abatement request. She also told the council the township trustees approved the request by emergency resolution on Nov. 18.
On a separate agenda item, Councilor Thompson moved to receive Communication No. 1 from the Ohio Division of Liquor Control concerning a liquor-permit application for Tyesha Jenkins at 602 C North Main Street and to authorize the clerk to file an objection and request a hearing in Lima; the motion was seconded and passed by voice vote.
Votes at a glance - Ordinance 2 52 25 (2025 annual budget amendment): first reading passed, vote 8–0. - Ordinance 2 53 25 (enterprise zone agreement with Murfin Inc./Murphy Tractor): first reading passed, vote 8–0. Presentation requested consideration of a 75%/10-year abatement on 10–12 acres; county approval and school-district notification are required. - Ordinance 2 54 25 (amend contract with Midwest Air Power LLC): first reading passed, vote 8–0. - Ordinance 2 55 25 (contract with Murphy Tractor and Equipment Co., Inc. for utilities): first reading passed, vote 8–0. - Communication No. 1 (liquor permit application for 602 C North Main Street): clerk authorized to file objection; motion passed by voice vote.
What’s next: Lease asked the council to consider passing the enterprise zone ordinance by emergency so the proposal could be presented to county commissioners before year-end; Lease said final company decisions and construction timing would follow county and local approvals. The council adjourned and set its next meeting for Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.
Attributions: details about the enterprise zone and the requested abatement were provided by Cindy Lease, Allen Economic Development Group. Motions and votes were recorded on the council floor and during roll call by the clerk.
