Lets say you give me $1 and in return I give you $2. Sounds pretty good. Well, lets say you give me $1 and I give you $2 and provide a job for your Sister and Son-in-law. Sounds even better. How about you give me $1, in return I give you $2, I provide a job for Sister and Son-in-law, a portion of my tax burden goes to the local school district to better your grandchild’s education and potentially reduces your property taxes in the future. What’s not to like about that last situation?
Over the past seven years I have lived in Dallas, TX and Scottsdale, AZ, two very successful metropolitan cities. In my time in both cities I noted one thing that was constant between the two: Economic and tax incentives that brought in businesses, reduced the unemployment rate and increased the city tax revenue.
It sounds simple, provide a reason for a business to want to be in Ohio, the greater Columbus area, or in Powell and we too could reap the economic benefit. This past year we finally witnessed the powers at be provide incentive to NetJets (a fractional ownership private aviation company) in order to keep the some 2,000 jobs currently held in Columbus and to add 800 jobs in the next five years along with spending $200 million in expansion. What was the cost? $100 million in economic and tax incentives. Do the math……this was a great move for the city to make.
I believe that Hilliard learned a wonderful lesson from the NetJets deal and more importantly is putting that lesson into practice. Through tax-increment financing and abatement’s Hilliard has enticed more and more businesses to move to the West side suburb.
Please hear me!!!! I love the cute, boutique shops of Powell. I love the unique offerings that aren’t usually found in big box retailers. I love the personal relationships that are built in shops like The Collection, Beehive Bread Co., the local barber and I love the community that is built when you walk in to Maca. This being said, I still believe that we can maintain the integrity and charm of Powell while providing more business opportunities, more jobs and more conveniences.
With incentives for businesses we can increase the commercial tax revenue and alleviate the tax burden on residents. We can lower local unemployment, balance residential and commercial development, increase revenue for schools and more than likely maintain our home values.
Are you with me? If so, make sure that you are as loud as the opposing party. Be a presence in our community of Powell. The squeaky wheel always gets the grease. This is your call to action, if you believe in economics, in simple give and take incentives and in making Powell the best suburb in Columbus….Start SQUEAKING!!!!!!
