The dispute stemmed from a state audit that found from 2001 through 2004, Ford failed to pay its due in personal property taxes. Those are taxes on equipment, inventory and machinery that are being phased out and replaced by the new commercial activities tax. Cuyahoga County Treasurer Jim Rokakis, who announced the settlement, is respectful of Ford's contributions to the region's community and economy. But he points to past instances when company bankruptcies have shortchanged county tax collections, and applauds Ford's willingness to settle up.
Jim Rokakis: I'm not saying they're on the verge of filing bankruptcy. I'm just saying they're economically distressed, it's common knowledge, and we'd like to get this money collected as quickly as we possibly can.
Ford officials could not be reached for comment. More than 12 and a quarter million dollars of the collected tax funds will go to Berea City Schools, and more than a million will go to Bedford City Schools. The county itself will receive 3.9 million. Bill Rice, 90.3.