Explanation
BACKGROUND: The Department of Development is proposing to enter into a Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement with Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of personal income tax withheld on new employees for a term of five (5) years. The company will invest approximately $650,000 to purchase and renovate property located at 909 Michigan Avenue, relocate and retain 13 full-time permanent positions, which are all new to Columbus, and create 2 new full-time permanent positions.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC, founded in 2002, is a family-owned and operated company. The co-founders are Jeni Britton Bauer and her husband Charly Bauers. Tom Bauer, Charley's brother, became a partner in 2003. With their small team, the make every batch of ice cream that is served in their four stores in Columbus and shipped to doorsteps nationwide. Jeni Britton Bauer became inspired to make artisan ice creams while working at a French patisserie. Jeni created her own techniques to make American ice creams that are less sweet and more flavorful. Due to tremendous growth through the years, Jeni's has out grown their current facility and now must expand into a larger manufacturing and distribution facilities to meet the increased demands.
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC is proposing to relocate its manufacturing and distribution facilities into the City of Columbus by purchasing and renovating a 5,000 square feet building located on 909 Michigan Avenue to meet its increased growth and demand.
FISCAL IMPACT: No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To authorize the Director of the Department of Development to enter into a Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement with Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of new income tax withheld on employees for a term of five (5) years in consideration of the company's proposed investment of $725,000.00 and the relocation of 13 full-time permanent positions, which will be all new to Columbus, and create 2 new full-time permanent positions.
Body
WHEREAS, the City desires to increase employment opportunities and encourage the creation of new jobs in the City in order to improve the overall economic climate of the City and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Development has received a completed Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement Application from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC; and
WHEREAS, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC is proposing to purchase and renovate a 5,000 square foot building located at 909 Michigan Avenue, to accommodate the relocation of its manufacturing and distribution facilities; and
WHEREAS, Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC has indicated that a Jobs Growth Incentive is crucial to its decision to locate the aforementioned manufacturing and distribution facility in Columbus; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus desires to facilitate Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC's future growth at the project site by providing a Jobs Growth Incentive; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC proposed investment of $725,000.00 and the relocation of 13 permanent full-time jobs (all new to Columbus) while creating 2 new full-time positions; and NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
Section 1. That the Director of the Department of Development is hereby authorized to enter into a Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the amount of new income tax withheld on employees for a term of five (5) years with Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC.
Section 2. Each year of the term of the agreement with Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC, the City's obligation to pay the incentive is expressly contingent upon the passage of an ordinance appropriating and authorizing the expenditure of monies sufficient to make such payment and the certification of the City Auditor pursuant to Section 159 of the Columbus City Charter.
Section 3. That the City of Columbus Jobs Growth Incentive Agreement is signed by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, LLC within 90 days of passage of this ordinance, or this ordinance and the credit herein shall be null and void.
Section 4. That this ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.