Vermilion voters approve charter amendment requiring public vote on tax incentive deals

VERMILION, Ohio -- Voters in Vermilion approved a charter amendment Tuesday mandating that tax increment financing agreements receive public approval, adding a new layer of scrutiny to economic development projects but potentially complicating efforts to attract investment.

Issue 26 earned 54.89% support, with 859 voting yes and 706 voting no, according to preliminary Lorain County Board of Elections results.

The charter amendment, introduced by Concerned Vermilion Citizens, mandates that any proposed TIF — a mechanism cities use to redirect future property tax revenue to pay for infrastructure improvements — must secure majority voter approval before implementation.

A tax increment financing agreement, or TIF, is a specialized tool used to spur economic development. According to the Oh