MAYOR’S ANNUAL REPORT
STATE OF THE CITY
January 4, 2010

Dear Massillonians:

Wow---- it’s 2010. That’s unbelievable!!! There are many things that should make us thankful. Massillon is a great city in which to live and raise a family. Sometimes that fact is lost in the hustle-bustle of regular everyday life. Our quality of life issues need to be accentuated and publicized more often. Our crime rate is relatively low, considering we are in urban northeast Ohio. Our safety forces have done a great job in providing top of the line professional services which certainly results in a lower crime rate. We need to “toot our own horns” more often and let it be known that Massillon is a great community in which to move your family and/or business.

The slower economy has taken its toll on new building in the City of Massillon. There were only fifteen (15) new home building permits written in 2009. This is very similar to the national slowdown across the United States. The last two years have only totaled thirty-eight (38) permits for single-family houses. So far this decade, however, there have been 706 new single-family home permits. Overall, this is certainly a positive situation, especially when you consider that it is the second highest decade total since the 1960’s !!! Also, there is one more year left, so hopefully, 2010 brings more new homes to make it the largest decade in Massillon history!! For starters, 2010 will see the construction of a 52 unit senior citizen mid-rise apartment building at the old Eagles site in the Citi Center Development area downtown.
As far as new industrial building developments, the Shearer’s Foods building project started in 2009 beginning with first phase construction of a 46,000 square feet tortilla chip production facility. Ultimately, when the whole Shearer’s project is completed, the total building size should exceed 200,000 square feet. When all construction is over, the best snack food manufacturer in America will have an even greater presence in our great City. Another food processor in Massillon, Fresh Mark, has started a major expansion project to their bacon processing facility located on Southway Street SE. Everyone in the City of Massillon appreciates the major investment that both Shearer’s and Fresh Mark are making in our community. These investments will bring much needed employment opportunities to our citizens.

In addition, as part of our economic development effort, we also continue to meet with existing Massillon companies, like Heinz throughout the year, to discuss pertinent issues.

This recession has taken a toll on total building permit valuations. The total value of all building permits in 2009 was over $21,000,000. In 2008, the total was over $39,000,000. However, there are some positive signs in new building construction. Around the first quarter of 2010, there should be several new building projects announced. This includes the industrial, retail, and service areas of development. Hopefully, this will mean that 2010 will be a better building permit valuation year compared to previous years.

The year 2009 also saw some major legislation proposed by the Administration and passed by City Council. Our Fire Department will implement a transport program in the first quarter of this new year. This is an exciting improvement of service to our residents and we are extremely grateful and appreciative with the cooperation of the Firefighter’s Union that resulted in an agreement to establish the City’s transporting program.

Also, Tax Increment Financing (TIF’S) initiatives were passed by the majority of City Council members. These new ordinances will provide the City with much-needed revenue for present and future infrastructure projects. This plan, when implemented, will provide funding for capital improvements that will result in better roadways and other infrastructure improvements as the need arises. However, instead of desperately trying to fund these projects, by tapping into our general fund accounts, the money for these projects will instead be available in special infrastructure accounts. Please keep in mind that all of us are ultra sensitive to the needs of all of our citizens and to imply otherwise is totally ridiculous. Revenues derived from these TIF’s aren’t taking any present funds from any other governmental entities. More TIF proposals will be forthcoming for City Council’s consideration. Also, keep in mind that TIF’s are in existence throughout Ohio and have been used to promote economic development, similar to tax abatement incentives.

What do all of you feel about a Massillon Arts District? Maybe in 2010 one might be established in Massillon. Let’s hope! Arts can be certainly used to promote and actually create economic development opportunities in our community. Let’s see what happens!!!

In closing, 2010 will continue to be a challenge for our City budget. All branches of local government must work together to get through these difficult economic times.

Happy New Year to you and your families.

Respectfully,

____________________________________
FRANCIS H. CICCHINELLI, JR.
Mayor of Massillon