Staff report

Hudson City Council has approved a 10-year grant agreement to incentivize the relocation of Charter Communications’ regional operations.

The annual grant will be equal to 50% of the city income taxes paid by the company’s employees. Hudson has a 2% income tax rate.

The telecommunications company, which is headquartered in Connecticut and does business as Spectrum, will move employees from several regional offices outside the county to 280 Executive Parkway W. Charter Communications expects to invest $6.3 million at the facility and have a payroll of at least $14 million within three years, according to city documents.

“We’re excited about them coming in,” City Manager Thomas J. Sheridan said after the council approved the job creation grant agreement on Dec. 17.

Sheridan did not have details on the number of employees moving to the vacant building but said the company must maintain the payroll amount promised or risk losing the grant, which will come from the city’s general fund.

 

“They get reviewed every year,” Sheridan said.

The 50,669-square-foot building, which was marketed for rent by Industrial Commercial Properties, sits on 8.24 acres near state Route 8 on the western edge of Hudson.

The council also approved a 3% raise for non-bargaining employees, effective Jan. 1. 

The hourly pay will range from $9.83 to $21.02 for the first tier of workers, which include school crossing guards and student interns. It will be between $15.67 to $48.31 for the second category and $33.41 to $85.48 for a third category — both of which include various professional and managerial positions.

Volunteer firefighters will receive a $19.10 hourly reimbursement. Fire department maintenance or engineer staff will receive $20.16; lieutenants will receive $21.22; and captains will receive $23.34. 

The Hudson Fire Department also received approval for two equipment purchases. The council authorized up to $49,010 for a tethered, autonomous drone with live visual and thermal imaging capabilities and up to $71,000 for a 2025 Ford Explorer Interceptor. 

The department has been debating drone options for about two years, according to the city resolution. Atlantic Emergency Solutions is the sole provider of the chosen Fotokite drones and related products and services in Ohio.

The SUV purchase contract is with Montrose Ford, an Ohio Cooperative Purchasing Program vendor. The appropriation includes the vehicle and outfitting it with emergency lights and equipment.