OML UPDATE AT A GLANCE

HISTORIC PRESERVATION, OPPORTUNITY ZONES TAX-CREDIT EXPANSION TAKES EFFECT IN SEPTEMBER

Senate Bill 225 – supported by OML – was recently signed into law and will take effect Sept. 13. The act will help municipalities invest in community economic development projects by increasing available funding for the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program (for commercial buildings, former industrial sites, multi-family housing and other historic buildings) and the Ohio Opportunity Zone Tax Credit Program. It also makes some changes related to tax increment financing and downtown redevelopment districts. Bill Analysis

OML appreciates the work of Sen. Kirk Schuring for sponsoring the bill and shepherding it through the legislative process. In brief, the act:

  • Increases, from $60 million to $120 million, the amount of historic building rehabilitation tax credits that may be awarded by the director of development in fiscal years 2023 and 2024. The cap reverts to $60 million in FY 2025.
  • Allows several credit enhancements for rehabilitation projects approved by the director before July 1, 2024. These include increasing the standard credit amount from 25% to 35% for projects in jurisdictions with a population of less than 300,000, increasing from $5 million to $10 million the maximum annual credit that may be claimed for a single project, and allowing a full refund of any credit amount that exceeds the tax otherwise due up to a $10 million annual limitation.
  • Increases the cap for the FY 2022-2023 biennium from $50 million to $75 million, and sets caps of $50 million for FY 2024, and $25 million for FY 2025 and thereafter. Continuing law unchanged by the act limits the amount of tax credit that may be allocated to any particular credit recipient to $2 million per fiscal biennium.
  • Requires the development director to conduct two annual application periods.
  • Allows for retrospective application of two provisions adopted in HB 110 of the 134th General Assembly. Under prior law, the provisions applied only to tax increment financing districts and downtown redevelopment districts established by ordinance adopted after Sept. 30, 2021. This act provides that these provisions may also apply to ordinances adopted and projects completed before that date. They relate to funding off-street parking facilities and setting the beginning tax year of an urban development TIF exemption.

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT CAMERA REPORTS DUE
The Ohio Department of Taxation is reminding any local authority that operated or contracted with another party to operate traffic enforcement cameras during the previous fiscal year that you must file a report with the Department of Taxation on or before July 31, 2022. Email [email protected] or call (614) 466-7150 with questions.

FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

  • ODOT is taking applications for the Municipal Bridge Program, which provides federal funds to municipal corporations, metro parks and regional transit authorities for roadway bridge replacement, bridge rehabilitation, or bridge demolition projects. Applications are due by Aug. 15. Learn More
  • A new application round of the Brownfield Remediation Program opened, and more than $30 million is available. It will remain open until Sept. 30 or when funds are depleted. Learn More
  • The first phase of the Ohio Building Demolition and Site Revitalization Program was announced. Following the county set aside,the program's remaining funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn More
  • The Ohio Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing is accepting applications for the FY 2023 Cemetery Grant Program. Applications are due by Aug. 1. Learn More

NEW WARRANTS SYSTEM AVAILABLE STATEWIDE
Gov. DeWine announced a new system available statewide that could streamline how warrants and protection orders are uploaded across Ohio. It is called eWarrants, and the $4.7 million LexisNexis system is free to local county officials. 

DeWine wants lawmakers to require officials to input warrants for serious crimes within 48 hours. Although a bill has not been introduced, it could be incorporated into SB 288, a criminal justice bill, and adopted during the fall lame-duck session.

DRIVEOHIO SEEKING COMMENTS ON ELECTRIC VEHICLE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN AT REGIONAL MEETINGS
DriveOhio is seeking comments on its draft deployment plan for building out Ohio's portion of the electric vehicle infrastructure authorized under the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Out of $7.5 billion, $2.5 billion is for a discretionary grant program split evenly between corridor charging and community charging. Regional listening sessions are taking place throughout the state July 14-21. View the Plan

UPCOMING REGIONAL CONFERENCE IN FINDLAY
OML's upcoming regional conference taking place in Findlay on Aug. 5 is a great opportunity to network with other elected officials and staff members from nearby cities and villages, while also learning more about topics relevant to municipalities, including policy issues, ethics, public records, home rule, cybersecurity, and economic development. Register HERE before the July 29 deadline.

BWC WEBINAR: OHIO EPA REGULATIONS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO STAY OUT OF TROUBLE
This presentation at 11 a.m. on July 26 will highlight the EPA's major areas of compliance that apply to a business, resources for a complete understanding of the requirements, and proper management of common waste streams. The webinar is approved for continuing education and BWC discount program credits. Register Before the Webinar