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Medina County sees $215M in new investment commitments; officials warn state law curtails incentive transparency
Summary
Medina County economic-development officials reported more than $215 million in capital commitments and an expected 360 new jobs in the first half of 2026, and warned that a recent change to Ohio Revised Code §9.66(d) temporarily makes many incentive-application details confidential, complicating public disclosure and county decision-making.
Medina County economic-development director Bethany Dentler told commissioners the county has seen more than $215,000,000 in committed new capital investments through the first six months of 2026 and an anticipated 360 new jobs, with roughly $27,000,000 in new annual payroll.
"By comparison, this year-to-date total is nearly twice the amount that we reported at the same point last year," Dentler said, citing a pipeline that includes an EMH Crane expansion and a new Life Stone Ministries facility. She credited active business retention and outreach: "We completed 72 business retention and expansion visits in the past quarter, and we've reached 70% of our annual goal of 200 visits." (Bethany Dentler, Economic Development)
Dentler also warned the board about an unforeseen legal complication: Ohio Revised Code section 9.66(d), enacted late last year and effective in March, which treats most information submitted to economic-development officials for incentive consideration as confidential. "It makes virtually any information submitted to an economic development official ... confidential," Dentler said, adding that the change risks criminal exposure for officials who disclose routine project facts allowed previously under public-records law.
Dentler said the legislature has narrowed the confidentiality categories but that the correction will not take effect until Sept. 23; meanwhile the county plans to obtain waivers from applicants and update CRA application materials. "It adds a very uncomfortable layer of bureaucracy to our business attraction and retention work," she said. (Bethany Dentler, Economic Development)
Why it matters: Dentler told commissioners that withholding routine details such as projected job creation and capital investment will hamper transparency around tax-abatement and incentive decisions and create extra legal steps for staff. Commissioners and staff discussed options for obtaining waivers, adjusting application paperwork, and pressing for statutory clarification before the September deadline.
Next steps: Dentler said the county will revise application materials, seek legal counsel when necessary, and continue outreach while monitoring the statutory correction expected in late September.
