An unnamed company code-named "Project Mustang" will bring more than 200 jobs to Sharonville after City Council unanimously approved a payroll tax incentive at its June 23 meeting.
The deal was one of nine ordinances and resolutions council passed that night, a slate that also included a $9 million road project on Fields Ertel Road, a $2.3 million public works building renovation, and updated FEMA floodplain mapping that could change flood insurance requirements for some homeowners.
Project Mustang: 200-plus jobs, $1.1 million in tax revenue
Under Ordinance 2026-30-E, the company will receive a 40% payroll tax rebate over five years as it builds a new headquarters in the city. Economic Development Director David McCandless told council the company projects 216 to 238 jobs and $1.1 million in payroll tax revenue for Sharonville over the grant term. The company's identity was not disclosed; code names are standard practice during incentive negotiations.
Fields Ertel intersection: $9 million, three-way split
Council approved an intergovernmental agreement for the Fields Ertel Intersection Improvement Project, which carries a total estimated cost of $9,004,052 according to the OKI Transportation Improvement Program. The work includes road widening, new turn lanes, a traffic signal at McCauly and Fields Ertel, and a roundabout at Conrey Road. Sharonville, Sycamore Township, and Hamilton County will each cover one-third of the local share, with federal MPO STBG funds covering $5.3 million of the total. The Hamilton County Engineer is the project sponsor.
Updated floodplain maps may affect some homeowners' insurance
Public Works Director Steve Busam told council that upgrades to the Main Street bridge and Creek Road dam have reduced flood risk, but new 2D modeling required by FEMA means some properties could be added to or removed from the floodplain. That shift could affect flood insurance requirements for homeowners with federally backed mortgages.
"Previous engineering models and grant applications were based on the best available data and FEMA standards at the time," Busam said. "The need for new modeling arose only after significant changes were made to the channel and as FEMA's requirements evolved."
The original FEMA map only considered one creek; updated requirements now include both creeks affecting downtown Sharonville. Engineering firm Tetra Tech is handling the mapping work. Council members Glen Lovitt and Paul Schmidt said the city has an obligation to use the most accurate data available, even when it raises costs. Bob Cox abstained from the vote on this ordinance; all other members voted yes.
Other actions
Council authorized a $2,310,000 construction manager at risk contract for renovations to the city's public works facility, which the city acquired and closed on January 28. Architects are already under contract for design.
Pre-construction services for the Upper Grove project at Gower Park also moved forward, allowing the Safety Service Director to establish a guaranteed maximum price before selecting a construction contractor.
Council adopted the 2027 tax budget after a public hearing drew no public comment. Finance Director Scott McKeehan said more detailed budget work will begin in August. Auditor Ed Cunningham reported the general fund is 41% spent, 42% through the fiscal year, with most departments under budget.
Council is on its summer schedule. Meeting dates and agendas are posted at sharonville.org.
