South Range schools, Salem resolve TIF dispute

NORTH LIMA — The South Range school district and the city of Salem have resolved a legal battle over funds from a financial district.

South Range school district Treasurer Jim Phillips said the schools have received $60,675 from the city after settling the legal dispute centered on a tax increment financing district, or TIF. That amount is for nine of the 10 years of the TIF.

It was a 10-year, 75 percent TIF district centered on a Home Depot store and a nearby development. That TIF includes land in Mahoning County and within South Range’s district borders.

According to Vindicator files, South Range school officials began to ask questions once the TIF was formed involving the Home Depot development in 2005. It was a 75 percent TIF, meaning that Salem received 75 percent of the property taxes of the developed property for 10 years. TIF funds are used for improvements at or directly around the property, such as road construction and water and sewer line work.

For the complete story, read Wednesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com