Financing program criticized by group
A new report outlines problems with a trend among cities using what is called tax-increment financing, contending the practice has become a subsidy for developers rather than a targeted tool for revitalizing neighborhoods.

The Ohio Public Interest Research Group released the report last week.

“Localities too often use tax-increment financing as an all-purpose subsidy for developers rather than its original purpose as a targeted tool to revitalize neighborhoods with circumstances that otherwise discourage investment,” said Jacqueline Thomas, of Ohio PIRG. “If done badly, tax-increment financing can steer development away from the places than most need it. It can also leave municipalities with unexpected shortfalls or create slush funds with little public oversight.”

According to the Ohio Department of Development, TIF is available to local governments to finance public infrastructure improvements and, in certain circumstances, residential rehabilitation. A TIF works by locking in the taxable worth of real property at the value it holds at the time the authorizing legislation was approved. Payments derived from the increased assessed value of any improvement to real property beyond that amount are directed towards a separate fund to finance the construction of public infrastructure defined within the TIF legislation.

The PIRG report, which looks at many states, calls for more transparency and clear benchmarks for the responsibilities of developers.

The report can be seen at the Ohio PIRG website.

Turnpike forum
Assistant Ohio House Minority Leader Matthew A. Szollosi (D-Toledo) will host a turnpike town hall forum in Rossford on Monday Oct. 17 at 6 p.m. at Carpenters Local 1138 hall, 9278 Bass Pro Blvd..

Rep. Szollosi and other lawmakers will discuss a proposal to lease the Ohio Turnpike and the potential impact on communities bordering it.

Road closures
Due to repairs to a railroad crossing, Leutz Road, between State Route 163 and Salem-Carroll Road in Ottawa County, will be closed Oct. 17-21.

County highway crews will be replacing cross-overs along Toussaint East Road and will need to close the road between State Route 2 and State Route 19 from Oct. 17 to Nov. 30 Local traffic will be permitted in the area but the road will not be available to local, emergency, or bus traffic.

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