Mayfield Village Council Passes Motion Supporting County Anti-Poaching Protocal

Council members voted unanimously in support of the county's Business Attraction and Anti-Poaching Protocol.

The county effort, designed to improve economic development and relationships between cities, offers participation in a $100 million economic development fund as an incentive to sign on to the protocol. Language has been changed so cities do not have to call a company's home city if the company prefers to keep its search for a new location confidential.

Council approved a motion in support of the protocol at Tuesday's meeting and members said there appeared to be no downside to the village signing the agreement.

"I think we have everything to gain to cooperate with the county because we've been getting good results from the county," Councilman Thomas Marrie said.

However, he added that he didn't like the term "anti poaching."

Finance Director Ron Wynne said joining with the county's protocol would not have any financial implications for the village. He said the $100 million fund would be provided to businesses looking to relocate.

Councilman Nicholas Delguyd noted that the fund could help keep businesses from going to Lake County.

"As a border city it's probably of more interest to us," he said.