At its Monday meeting, the Marysville City council may or may not hear details of a nearly $45-million expansion at the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company.
While the project was initially included in Monday night’s Marysville City Council Agenda, this morning, the company asked to have the agreement removed from the agenda.
“This is a great project that will allow Scotts to continue to grow, long term, and to achieve their goals,” said Jason R. Stanford, development services manager for Union County-Marysville Economic Development.
He said the company is “planning a modernization of their manufacturing operation.”
The company has indicated it will relocate and make improvements to its resin process facility, construct a new maintenance room and improve equipment and building infrastructure at its facility at 14101 Industrial Parkway.
As part of the proposed agreement, economic development officials are recommending the expansion receive a 75% tax abatement for 10 years. Under state law, only the $14.3 million for land and improvements of real property will be eligible for the abatement.
“I think it is important for us to support our local companies,” Stanford said.
He said the company has expressed this is “a very large project.”
“Typically, Scotts has not been one to reach out to the community for their expansion projects,” Stanford said.
He said the company is “worldwide and has plenty of options.”
While the expansion is not expected to create any new jobs, it will help Scotts retain 199 jobs, with an estimated payroll of $13 million, the company has said.
“That is important to us,” Stanford said.
Additionally, Scotts will negotiate a “donation agreement” with Marysville Exempted Village School District and Ohio Hi-Point Career and Technical School District. The company will also work with the school district to provide education and training opportunities for students.
The company will pay at least $6,000 annually to the Union County- Marysville Economic Development Partnership for costs associated with membership in the Union County Chamber of Commerce.
Scotts has also agreed to donate at least $20,000 in Scotts products to both the City of Marysville and the school district.
Stanford said the company is expected to begin construction on the project before the end of the year. The agreement calls for the construction to be complete by the end of 2024.
According to documentation, the Union County Enterprise Zone Negotiating Team has reviewed Scotts’ application and determined it is appropriate.
Eric S. Phillips, Union County-Marysville economic development director said the negotiating team’s recommendation was for all entities to approve the agreement. Additionally, the company has notified the Ohio Department of Development about the project.
Stanford said the agreement, like all tax incentives in the county, will be reviewed annually.
“If there is any concern that pops up, we will have the opportunity to address them with the company,” Stanford said.
Officials from Scotts did not return calls seeking comment this morning.