Lake Township residents will have an opportunity to examine in detail a Joint Economic Development District the township trustees are planning with the City of Toledo at Metcalf Field.

The trustees are expected next week to set a date for a public hearing at the township administration building on the proposed JEDD, which will, if approved by the full board of trustees and Toledo City Council, authorize an income tax sharing contract between the two entities.

There will be 30-day period for the public to view maps and plans of the district, said Tom Hays, township solicitor, who helped negotiate the agreement with the city.

“We’re finally at a point where we have something for you to look at,” said trustee Melanie Bowen to those attending last week’s trustees meeting. “We’re hoping this will help bring jobs to our area and help offset the costs of police and fire service there.”

If the JEDD is approved, the township will receive 60 percent of income tax revenues from any jobs created in the district and Toledo will receive 40 percent, Mr. Hays said, adding there is an exception to the percentages. Toledo will be allowed to retain the same amount of income taxes from any existing business in the city limits that relocates in the JEDD.

Income taxes in the district will be levied at Toledo’s rate of 2.25 percent and the township will receive its share quarterly.

The district will cover 424 acres at Metcalf, which is bounded by Drouillard, Moline-Martin, Lemoyne, and Ayers roads.

The property is owned by the City of Toledo and leased to the Toledo Lucas County Port Authority but the township provides fire and police service for the air field and adjacent business.

Mr. Hays said only land in the airfield will be in the JEDD as all of the business already in the area opted to not be included in the agreement.

The district will be overseen by a five-member board, including two each appointed by the township and city and one to be named by the board.

Ms. Bowen said she and Mr. Hays have been meeting with city officials for nearly two years on the proposal.

Ambulance rates increased
The trustees last week approved increases to ambulance transport fees that will go into effect under a new contract with LifeStar Ambulance, Inc.

Under the new agreement the fees will be:
• Advanced Life Support 1 - $600
• Advanced Life Support 2 - $600
• Basic Life Support            - $500
• Mileage per loaded mile - $10

The trustees also approved contributing $2,000 for the community Care-A-Van service for 2009. Users can receive transportation to and from doctor’s offices or other medical appointments.

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