Cities seek explicit authority to use TIF funds for police and fire buildings

Officials from Canton and the Ohio Mayors Alliance urged the Senate Ways and Means Committee to pass Senate Bill 307 to clarify that tax increment financing proceeds may be used for construction of police and fire buildings.

"Senate Bill 307 will allow us the flexibility to use funds generated from tax increment financing to address gaps in the administration of safety services," Peter Zirchirsky, director of economic development for the City of Canton, told the committee. He described the local example of a large fulfillment center that created new demand for police and fire services and said the relevant Ohio Revised Code provision should explicitly list "buildings for police or firefighting" among permissible public improvements.

Zirchirsky gave figures for the Canton project’s TIF revenues (about $250,000 to $350,000 per year) and said the nearest fire station was 2.5 miles from the development and due for replacement. He argued SB307 would remove a legal gray area and make clear that safety infrastructure fits within permissible TIF uses.

Senator Schafer and other members voiced support, citing examples of fire districts and growth areas that could face service shortfalls without clarified revenue authority. Sean Kasich of the Ohio Mayors Alliance summarized broad municipal support for the measure, saying local leaders view it as a tool to help public-safety services keep pace with development without raising taxes.

The committee closed the second hearing on Senate Bill 307 after proponent testimony; no vote was taken.