Politics & Government

Mayfield Heights Council to Decide on Anti-Poaching Protocol

Agreement with county on agenda for tonight's meeting.

could be the 21st of the county's 59 communities to agree to an anti-poaching protocol, but some City Council members have doubts about the value to the city.

Ed Jerse, county director of regional collaboration, attended a council committee meeting last week to explain the protocol, regional economic development and a $100 million county fund set aside to assist businesses.

Jerse said the idea behind the anti-poaching protocol is to have cities stop battling each other for businesses and to show companies that area government entities can work together. Communities that sign the protocol pledge that they will not approach businesses in other participating cities – something Jerse said officials all claim they don't do anyway – and to notify the home city if a business inquires about moving.

However, Jerse said that companies can ask that information about a potential move be kept confidential. In that case, the only requirement is to tell the home community before any incentives are announced.

"That gives the courtesy of not having to read about it in the newspaper," he said.

The anti-poaching protocol is also connected to a county $100 million revolving-loan fund. Communities that sign the agreement will be given additional points when projects are graded for potential funding.

Jerse said one project already in the works would provide $3 million toward expansion of a Phillips facility in Highland Heights.

But Councilwoman Donna Finney said she didn't see the benefit of signing the agreement or the $100 million fund and said the city has a strong corporate park already.

"This is of no benefit to us. Any strong business can get a loan," she said.

Jerse responded that "loans are not sitting out there" and companies that get money to close financing gaps would confirm the benefit.

"There may be businesses that are looking at that business park and need help to close the deal," he added.

Councilman Nino Monaco also pointed out that getting area cities together to attract business is basically just poaching from other regions. "You're doing what you say not to do," Monaco said.

"It's more that Cuyahoga County is a great place to do business," Jerse said. "They don't want to go into a firestorm where people are throwing bombs at each other."

He added the county's focus is on growing companies already here and starting new ones rather than bringing in businesses from elsewhere.

Council is expected to vote on the protocol tonight. Mayor Gregory Costabile noted that the Greater Cleveland Partnership and Team NEO are in favor of such agreements.

"I do think this is something the city should sign on and be a part of," he said.



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