Liberty Township: No JEDD with Youngstown

LIBERTY — The township trustees made it clear that they do not want to engage in a Joint Economic Development District with the city of Youngstown, even after the city’s Board of Control presented what it thought was a tempting proposal.

Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams was present at the trustees’ meeting tonight and stated in his opening remarks that if Liberty is doing well, then Youngstown benefits.

“There is an opportunity for us to keep working together even across county lines,” said Williams of the possibility of the JEDD coming to fruition.

David Bozanich, the city’s finance director, said Youngstown’s proposal was truly mutual and something both parties could endorse.

The JEDD would involve a 2 percent income tax — but only on new jobs — and a specific fund for economic development in Liberty and Youngstown. The JEDD board would consist of two Liberty representatives and two Youngstown representatives.

“No way we could out-vote you, no way you could out-vote us,” said Bozanich of the 50-50 split on the board.

For the complete story, see Wednesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com