Hilliard City Council moved Monday, Oct. 12, to cancel a property tax break for the Ten Pin Alley bowling center over missed job commitments.

Ordinance 26-25, introduced at the Oct. 12 meeting, would end the Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) agreement with Purdy Bowl LLC and direct City Manager Joshua Rauch to finalize the cancellation. A second reading and public hearing are scheduled for Oct. 26, according to the city's Legislative Bulletin.

The deal dates to May 2017, when council approved a 50%, 12-year property tax abatement to support renovation and expansion of the entertainment center. In return, Purdy Bowl committed to investing $7 million, retaining 30 jobs and creating 20 new positions with a combined payroll of $1,132,625.

The company failed to maintain the required employment and payroll levels.

Economic Development Specialist Alex Boomershine told council at its Sept. 28 meeting that the locally owned business was sold roughly two years ago to a national chain. Since the acquisition, the new ownership has not met the payroll and employment commitments required under the agreement. Boomershine said the new owners indicated they do not plan to increase staffing or payroll, according to meeting minutes.

The Tax Incentive Review Council (TIRC), which includes representatives from the city, Franklin County, Hilliard City Schools, Tolles Career and Technical Center, Norwich Township and Brown Township, reviewed compliance on Aug. 24. The TIRC voted unanimously to recommend cancellation.

Council approved that recommendation 7-0 on Sept. 28 through Resolution 26-R-91. The Oct. 12 ordinance is the formal follow-through.

According to Franklin County records, The Purdy Bowl Realty LLC parcel had $1,072,700 in property value exempted from taxation in tax year 2024. Once the ordinance takes final effect, the Clerk of Council will forward a certified copy to the Franklin County Auditor.

Boomershine noted that of 17 CRA agreements reviewed by the TIRC, 16 were found in compliance. Councilmember Cynthia Vermillion asked about Weaver Flex Park, which is not on track but still has five years to meet its benchmarks.

Other Oct. 12 actions

Council also introduced three other ordinances headed for second reading at the same meeting:

  • Ordinance 26-23 would appropriate funds for the city’s 2027 operating expenses and, if adopted, take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
  • Ordinance 26-24 amends Section 127.04 of the city's codified ordinances to adjust salary bands, pay grades and add job titles. The city manager requested the changes to the classification plan council originally approved in November 2021.
  • Ordinance 26-26 authorizes a stop-loss insurance contract with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield at an annual premium not to exceed $941,065 for Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027. The city is self-funded for employee health insurance and buys stop-loss coverage to pay claims exceeding $75,000 per person. The current policy expires at midnight Dec. 31.

Council passed two additional resolutions Oct. 12: Resolution 26-R-99 authorizes a professional services agreement with Burgess & Niple for a bridge and culvert asset management program, and Resolution 26-R-100 authorizes equipment purchases from Ohio Cat and Bobcat Enterprises for the Public Service Department.

All four ordinances face public hearings Oct. 26. Residents can access legislation through the Clerk of Council's office at 3800 Municipal Way or online at hilliardohio.civicweb.net.