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 About Celina, OH |
Celina's mission is the effective and efficient utilization of its human and fiscal resources to maintain and strengthen essential services and facilities and to build a sound, prosperous economy. The community is dedicated to maintaining a fertile climate in which businesses can operate profitably and thereby provide productive employment opportunities for its residents and neighbors. The education and training of its current and future workforce is viewed as essential to achieving Celina's goals. Local public schools operate in tune with the times, yet mindful of established educational principles. A stimulating combination of progressive learning techniques and traditional basics help to ensure that graduates are well prepared for their places in the modern world. The public school system is augmented by several private and parochial schools which supply alternative educational opportunities for Celina's youth. Wright State University Lake Campus in Celina offers a range of undergraduate and graduate courses as well as specialized seminars and workshops for area businesses and industries. In addition Wright State University is sponsoring the Pre-employment training Program (PET). This is an eleven week course designed to prepare students with the job skills required for employment with area industries. The Tri-Star Career Compact, a consortium of nine local school districts, provides customized adult worker evaluation, training, and referral programs to meet the needs of large and small companies. Technical training programs are already established for areas such as machine and construction trades, metallurgy, electronics CAD\CAM, office practices and medical/health services. The City of Celina is committed to aggressive tax abatement and incentive programs. We work closely with our State, County and Township representatives to ensure expediency on all levels. In 1998, we passed a Non-Conformity Agreement (Annexation) with Jefferson Township. This 99 year agreement allows for the extension of utilities outside of the city limits in exchange for annexation upon the property becoming contiguous. This will eliminate the lengthy court battles that have become so common due to unavailability of land inside corporation limits. The agreement also ensures the type of cooperation between the City, County and Township that we feel will promote the development of our community. Celina's Economic Incentive Programs 1. Enterprise Zone Tax Abatement (EZ) A. Criteria for Abatement 1. minimum of $500,000 total capital investment B. Abatement Amounts 1. Up to 75% tax abatement for 10 years - without school board approval 2. Tax Increment Financing (TIF) This process freezes the estimated assessed value for the duration of the TIF. A portion of taxes paid on nay increased value are deferred to a special fund where the money will go back into reinvestment for community development. 3. Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) A. Major Criteria for RLF 1. creation of jobs In cooperation with local banks, and the approval of the loan committee, applicants may receive up to $100,000 of much lower interest funds for expansion, machinery, equipment and acquisition. The above abatement programs are the most common utilized by the City. Celina also works closely with the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD www.odod.org ) to coordinate State incentives for prospective businesses. In addition, the entire city is within a Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) which provides abatements up to 100% for real property improvements. Celina's Community Development Department also works closely with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), located at the Wright State University Lake Campus extension. We encourage all small business owners to utilize this resource for all business needs. These include, but are not limited to, training programs, grant assistance, counseling and business plan development. |
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