North Canton to Offer Occupancy Grant Tax Credit to Lure Manufacturer into Hoover District

City officials plan to offer a manufacturing company a little help in the form of an occupancy grant tax credit if it decides to move its operations into the Hoover District.

The deal, discussed at Monday night’s North Canton City Council meeting, would give the company a credit of one-half of the city income tax paid by new employees.

The city would pay no money until it collects the income tax.

Council members talked positively about the prospect of bringing a new business to the Hoover District, no matter how many — or few — employees would come with it.

Mayor David Held said other communities approached the company about locating there, and the tax credit keeps North Canton competitive.

“We want to remain as competitive as we can, and right now, if we can bring in 10 jobs, 20 jobs, 30 jobs, it’s all going to bring in revenue to the city,” Held said.

The business would move into the 200,000-square-foot building at 334 Orchard St. and receive an annual tax credit against its net profit tax. If the credit is more than the tax owed by the company, the city would refund the difference up to the maximum credit.

The company agreed to sign a five-year lease. And if approved for the tax credit, it could commit to another five years in the building.

Held and council members thought ahead to years three through five, when the business would be in the Hoover District after the tax credit ends, enabling the city to bring in more money.

Held did not say the company's name, how many employees it would bring in or what it manufactures.

Council placed the tax credit on the agenda for next week’s meeting.

Councilman Pat DeOrio suggested the city start an occupancy program to entice more businesses and pointed to Macedonia’s website and program as a good example.

Update on fracking

North Canton City Councilman Jeff Davies said Monday night that he supports a moratorium on fracking in Ohio. His comments come two weeks after about fracking concerns.

Davies’ biggest concern with fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is that there’s no requirement to test the water that already has traveled through the ground and surfaced. That water could contain harmful chemicals. But because there’s no one regulating its disposal, it could remain as groundwater or be disposed of improperly.

Council members said the chances oil companies drilling in North Canton is unlikely, but the city’s well fields abut Plain Township, where the topic of fracking has been a large issue. Drilling in Plain Township or any neighboring communities could affect North Canton’s water supply, they said.

They'll vote next week on a resolution asking state officials to place a moratorium on fracking.

Beautifying City Hall

Council also discussed spending $30,000 to $35,000 to beautify City Hall. City Engineer Jim Benekos said the rust stains on the front and sides of the building can be covered with a stucco-type material.

“It’s not a structural problem; it’s a visual problem,” he said. “It reflects on the city.”