Taxes, Taxes & more Taxes! TIF’s.
TIF’s. What are they? Tax Increment Financing. I sum it up as tomorrows tax revenue being used today - almost like a credit card. While stimulating Economic Growth, TIF’s will encourage builders to build with funds they didn’t otherwise have. Here are the four TIF Districts being looked at:
1. CR 99/I-75. Is this the area for the Black Swamp Combinator?🧐
2. Sheetz (Project Hat Trick). The factory that was highly incentivized to bring in jobs for illegal immigrants they call ‘legal’.
3. FMT
4. The Downtown Park. The $40 MILLION dollar park that they refuse to take to the ballot yet pushes it through behind the scenes. Like at the Strategic Planning Committee on 10/8/24 when she said she wanted to get this passed through Council before the end of the year.
Some of the concerns Councilwoman Holly Frische include Findlay’s Budget. She said she’d like to see the Budget for 2025 to see how they will cover it. Another VERY interesting point she made was that something has been delaying, but the change is going to include a huge increase on property tax. Hmmm🤨 Just on the heals of increased 1% FCS tax? What a coincidence! During the meeting Councilwoman Holly Frische also suggested vetting the companies. I looked into that - Andrew Brossart, Financial Advisor, worked for William Blair Investment Management. Look into that.
City Auditor Jim Staschiak said we need to be sure developers have skin in the game. He said there needs to be an entire package that has all the details written out from expenses to how it’s going to get paid. In case you didn’t know, these TIF Districts have been known to become a slush fund. But we don’t have to worry about that in lil ole
#FindlayOhio, right?
A few things I noticed while watching the Strategic Planning Committee of 10/8/24 on Youtube 3x’s is that Councilman Dan DeArment, “Slayer” of our Freedom of Speech, didn’t seem confused but asked “and everyone’s okay with this?” I’m paraphrasing to say, it didn’t sound like a good deal.
Also, when asked about how this came up, the mayor said SHE brought it up. That right there is a problem, especially since it includes her legacy $40 MILLION Downtown park and her push to get this through City Council before the end of the year. Is that so they can tap into our increased property taxes that are being evaluated when the market is HIGHLY inflated. How strategic of them!
Everyone knows this agenda is being forced through “Declaring an Emergency” without giving the people much time to wrap their heads about the growth in their community. And while I’m all for growth, fast-tracking a Technocratic city with radiation emitting technology should be considered for the safety of our community. Fast-tracking pet projects like a Downtown legacy park should be taken to a vote. Vetting companies and developers coming into our city should be a priority.
Findlay should get back to doing things they way they were meant to be. Quit Declaring and Emergency on every Ordinance and stop suspending the Rules of Council to get your agenda in the express lane. Like Councilwoman Holly Frische said “what’s the hurry?” I’m guessing its their need for that tax payer teet they’re getting fat on.
I hope they create a Tax Increment Finance Committee and stay transparent.