A continuation of the rent reduction program at Ironton’s City Center gained approval yesterday from city council’s finance committee.

Friday, August 03, 2001

A continuation of the rent reduction program at Ironton’s City Center gained approval yesterday from city council’s finance committee.

The program, which has been ongoing for about three years, provides the businesses currently occupying space on the first floor of the City Center room for half the normal rent. Rent, according to city finance director Cindy Anderson, runs $6 per square foot, plus $1 per square foot for utilities. With the rent reduction, business owners in city hall pay $3 per square foot but are still required to pay the full $1 per square foot for the utility bills.

Anderson also recommended to councilmen Bob Lipker and Leo Ulery, two members of the finance committee present at the meeting, that the city look into advertising and marketing the remaining four open spaces for other businesses to establish shops in the City Center.

In addition to discussing the rent-reduction, Lipker recommended council consider arranging work sessions to provide an alternative way to fund the city if the legislation council proposes to place on November’s ballot does not pass.

Lipker said council should have a plan in place – probably a service reduction plan – if the legislation gets voted down on Election Day.