Struthers council set to vote on study of JEDZ potential

Youngstown council signed off on the water study.

STAFF REPORT

Struthers council will vote next Wednesday on a resolution to have Youngstown pay for a $92,000 study to determine, in part, the potential of a joint economic development zone involving those two cities and Campbell.

Struthers Councilman Michael Patrick, D-Large, chairman of the community development committee, said Wednesday he would introduce the JEDZ legislation at next week’s council meeting even though he has misgivings and thinks more information is needed.

Patrick questions if Youngstown and Campbell sites are “move-in” ready, from where the number of potential jobs come, and what is the comparison of water rates between Aqua Ohio — from which Struthers buys water — and Youngstown.

Youngstown officials say the study would answer those questions.

The Youngstown study will examine the city’s water distribution system and its rates. A key component of the study is expanding the city’s water system into Campbell and Struthers and the benefits of sharing a 2 percent income tax from new businesses along a portion of the Mahoning River in the three communities.

Struthers council members said they would require much more information about the benefits and potential problems for their city before committing to any agreement.

Committee members Councilman Robert D. Burnside, D-3rd, and Councilwoman Sherri L. Hartzell, D-1st, said they saw no problem with the study because it won’t cost the city any money or commit it in any way.

Struthers Mayor Terry Stocker continued to urge caution in moving too quickly on the matter.

Also Wednesday, Youngstown council voted in favor of allowing the city’s board of control to sign the contract with The PFM Group of Cleveland for the study.

In Campbell, where its council voted 3-1 on June 4 to permit Youngstown to conduct the study, Councilwoman Juanita Rich, D-4th, argued Wednesday that the resolution was the result of an improperly advertised and therefore illegal meeting. Campbell Law Director Mark J. Kolmacic said the resolution was passed at a regular council meeting and is therefore valid.