Coshocton continues to consider annexation, JEDD options

Leonard L. Hayhurst, Coshocton Tribune
·4 min read

COSHOCTON — Coshocton City Council is continuing to gather information about annexation and joint economic development districts (JEDD) as it feels those will be essential in taking advantage of a perceived coming economic boom.

Council at its last meeting met with representatives of the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association (OMEGA) and received a presentation from Jason Hamman of Hamman Consulting Group of Vermillion, which works with OMEGA.

Council previously had presentations from Bricker & Eckler, Attorneys at Law, to explain what annexation and JEDDs are and how they work. Hamman did a quantitative comparison of the two while looking at the fiscal impact each would have on the city and what Coshocton's goals were for growth and economic development.

Annexation is a city or village absorbing an adjacent unincorporated area, thereby growing the municipality. A JEDD is a city or village entering into partnership with a neighboring township to provide services, such as water and sewer, to help with economic development. Coshocton entered into two JEDD agreements in 2005 with Tuscarawas and Franklin townships.

"JEDDs are setup as essentially a compromise situation as opposed to annexation. A lot of times townships are not excited about the fact they are losing territory and potentially real property tax revenue. JEDDs are that compromise scenario that is hopefully a win for both entities," Hamman said.

He took a look at two different unnamed companies and a fictional new development and analyzed how they would be effected financially by annexation or JEDDs.

While the city has not officially announced any intentions for a new JEDD or annexation, they have been exploring options as it's expected that new housing developments and businesses could be popping up based on the economic upswing of the region, led by the Intel plant being built in Licking County.

Hamman said Coshocton needs to examine its goals, which includes being a regional water supplier, generating employment growth in target industry sectors and possible others.

"Annexation and JEDDs are mechanisms that can assist in the achievement of economic development goals. I think the key thing is to really get ahead of it and understand they're best used under specific circumstances," Hamman said. "The goal of this is to get everybody thinking and looking at some potential numbers for JEDD or annexation options that exist."

In other council news:

  • Council approved an ordinance raising the pay rate for fire chief from $66,500 a year to $71,000 annually starting July 3 and including a 2.25% increase in 2023 and 2024, similar to other positions. The salary will be $73,287.50 in 2024 and $75,119.69 in 2025. This reflects Rusty Dreher completing his probationary period as the new chief.

  • Council approved an ordinance entering into a Community Reinvestment Area agreement with the Honey House being renovated by Liz Argyle of Newark and a related school compensation agreement with Coshocton City Schools. Council at its previous meeting approved amendments to the CRA legislation relating to length and property tax exemptions and cost of remodeling to be eligible for the CRA.

  • Council approved an amendment to the property nuisance ordinance shortening the window to rectify tall grass and weeds once cited from 15 days to seven days. A notice on the change will be in upcoming water bills.

  • Council approved the city applying for a NatureWorks Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It's seeking up to $39,267 for work at Hall Park including a handicapped swing, other playground equipment and rubber safety pads under swings and slides. Councilman Roger Moore voted against the resolution as he's also on the board of the Coshocton City and County Park District, which had already voted to seek the same funding.

  • Councilwoman Michelle Turner Ganz is temporarily serving on the council ordinance committee. She replaces Councilman Glenn Mishler who is currently out due to health reasons.

  • Council is considering changes to existing legislation regarding vacant structures. This includes having owners of vacant properties to carry liability insurance, a key box installed in case of emergency entrance needed such as a fire and detailing what happens if fines aren't paid. Councilman Tom Barcroft said he based these suggestions on regulations from the City of Sandusky.

  • The city is considering authorizing bids to be received for purchasing a vacant lot owned by the city on Hickory Street.

Leonard Hayhurst is a community content coordinator and general news reporter for the Coshocton Tribune with close to 15 years of local journalism experience and multiple awards from the Ohio Associated Press. He can be reached at 740-295-3417 or llhayhur@coshoctontribune.com. Follow him on Twitter at @llhayhurst.

This article originally appeared on Coshocton Tribune: Coshocton continues to consider annexation, JEDD options