My views on the Partnering Oppty with Columbia Township (aka "JEDZ")

I'm a big believer in partnership with neighboring communities.  A good "Foreign Policy" can make all our lives better.  In this case, a Joint Economic Development Zone (JEDZ) partnership with Columbia Township can be a real money maker for the Village and at the same time start to build a foundation of trust so we can move forward together on bigger and more substantial projects.  Maybe we agree on a stopsign (just happened w Fairfax).  Maybe we share a piece of equipment.  Maybe we build a bike path.  Maybe we join forces on some big service contract.  Who knows, but this can be a springboard for good things for Mariemont.

The following is a one page "editorial" I'm sharing with folks to educate.

Cortney
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In a world of shrinking budgets and rising expenses, the Village has an opportunity to receive $50,000 of new Revenue annually by Partnering with Columbia Township (sharing Mariemont’s Tax Office + agreeing to no Annexation).  This agreement is called a Joint Economic Development Zone or JEDZ.  Even with committed efforts by Joe Miller and Joe Stelzer on Council over many months, negotiations are unfortunately stalled, and we have only days before losing this opportunity (a neighboring community could become their Partner).


Council should meet right away to discuss the opportunity and advance a proposal, but there is no Special Meeting planned.  Council’s next scheduled meeting on 7/8 will likely be too late.


Many will say a deal isn’t possible/isn’t right for the Village.  You may hear some of the following comments (counter points included as well):


1) Columbia Township owes Mariemont a proposal---Any Partnership is a two way street.  Can't we initiate?  Are we motivated?

2) The Township isn’t serious about partnering---The Township has engaged Mariemont for years on portions of this proposal.

3) The Township won't accept our offer---It’s true we have no way of knowing if the Township will accept an offer to partner; this Revenue is not guaranteed.

4) We will generate more Revenue by instead Annexing Wooster Pike businesses---After a JEDZ is in place with another Partner, tax rates are cumulative and businesses will likely not allow annexation.  And, Newtown, for instance, has incurred hundreds of thousands of dollars in Annexation fees so far.

5) The Township’s only motivation is new apartments that will hurt Mariemont---there is no plan for apartments, and our recent rejection of the $2,000,000 grant can't stop the Township from developing what/where they want. That said, a Partnership does give us the ability to influence Development.

6) ”We don't need the money”---One of Council’s important jobs is to reduce Expenses and find Revenue, even if difficult.  As a taxpayer, I’d like to see every dollar chased.

7) $50,000 isn’t the real number---This is a conservative estimate, definitely achievable.

8) We won’t make any money after expenses---The Township will pay for nearly all Mariemont's additional administrative and equipment costs.

9) The amount is much lower than earlier estimates, it’s not worth it---The value of the partnership is much lower since we’ve said no to Murray 6-way intersection improvements.  How much is too little, if expenses are paid by the Township?


Please press Mariemont Council and the Mayor to 1) meet this month and 2) put forth a proposal right away.  Time is running out on this great opportunity for Partnership and for Revenue for our Village.