Perrysburg Twp. wants out of venture

7/26/2001

A joint economic development group formed by Perrysburg Township and Rossford appears likely to become solely a Rossford venture.

Township trustees Monday were reluctant to put more money into the group which owes the township $5 million, plus $600,000 in interest, borrowed for the long-stalled sports arena and amphitheater at the Crossroads of America, between the Ohio Turnpike, I-75, and State Rt. 795.

The township sued Rossford in an attempt to recover the money.

“I think this thing should die,” Trustee Richard Britten said of the Rossford/Perrysburg Township Joint Economic Development Authority.

Trustee Nathan Hagemeister said the township might have “a legal and moral obligation” to contribute $5,000 for 2000 - which it has not yet done. But he agreed with Mr. Britten that he did not want to continue supporting the authority, which requested $10,000 from the township for 2001.

Rossford city Administrator Vince Langevin, who did not attend the township trustee's meeting, said Rossford council approved putting $10,000 into the development group at its last meeting.

He said the authority, which has no employees, would be able to exist without funding from the township.

Township trustees last night delayed a decision on the matter in order to seek legal counsel. It is expected to come up at their next meeting on Aug. 6.