According to the Columbus Dispatch, Franklin County’s 14 municipalities were asked to sign an anti-poaching pact to help curb the practice of cities attempting to “lure companies in neighboring cities whose tax breaks are about to expire.” So far, only Bexley, Columbus, Gahanna, Groveport, Grandview Heights, Hilliard and Worthington have agreed, while Canal Winchester, Dublin, Westerville, Grove City, New Albany, Reynoldsburg, Upper Arlington and Whitehall have not, the article said. Upper Arlington was already concerned that such an agreement could stifle economic growth, but is now worried that vague language in the agreement could leave the city “vulnerable to lawsuits.” Columbus city officials say the agreement was “never intended to be a contract” and that while participating cities will be expected to honor the agreement, they will not be legally bound to it, the article said.
Cities question whether anti-poaching pact is a legally binding contract
