VERMILION, Ohio — After Erie and Lorain County voters approved a ballot issue, the city of Vermilion is challenging its constitutionality.

The charter amendment, known as Issue 26 in Lorain County and Issue 6 in Erie County, created a requirement for voter approval of any proposed Vermilion tax increment financing (TIF) district.

WHAT IS A TIF?

A TIF is an economic development mechanism in a designated area that creates a separate fund with money generated from the value added by improvements. The funding helps pay for public infrastructure.

Proponents say TIFs help incentivize investment, but critics worry the public money could be diverted from essential services, like schools and public safety.

CHARTER AMENDMENT

“[The issue] was to give the people who are going to be affected most

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