Explanation
BACKGROUND:
The City of Columbus currently has an excessive amount of vacant office space in our downtown market. This high vacancy rate is having a negative impact on all business activity downtown and throughout the city. Buckeye Community Health Plan is currently exploring downtown Columbus as a potential site for expansion. They anticipate relocating 20 positions downtown. This job creation is estimated to generate $2,099,000 of payroll and $41,980 annually in City income tax revenue. Based on this estimate, they would qualify for the Columbus Downtown Office Incentive of an amount equal to 50% of the payroll taxes paid or an estimated $20,990 each year for three years. The Downtown Development Office recommends granting the Columbus Downtown Office Incentive Program to Buckeye Community Health Plan.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No funding is required for this legislation.
Title
To authorize the Director of Development to enter into a Columbus Downtown Office Incentive Program agreement with Buckeye Community Health Plan as provided in Columbus City Council Resolution 144X-02 adopted July 22, 2002.
Body
WHEREAS, the City desires to increase employment opportunities and encourage establishment of new jobs in the City in order to improve the overall economic climate of the City and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, Resolution 144X-02, adopted July 22, 2002, authorizes the Department of Development to establish the Columbus Downtown Office Incentive Program; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Development has received a completed application for the Columbus Downtown Office Incentive Program from Buckeye Community Health Plan; and
WHEREAS, Buckeye Community Health Plan estimates that it will create 20 new jobs at 175 South Third Street, with a projected payroll of $2,099,000 generating estimated City of Columbus income tax revenue of $41,980 annually; and NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBU...
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