It's understandable that city leaders don't relish the prospect of losing tax revenue from two businesses targeted for relocation to Butler Township as part of the West End revitalization plan.

But unless Butler officials can find a different in-city location for BOC Gases and DuBrook, Inc., the city probably will have to relinquish any claim to the businesses' taxes, once the moves take place. It's hard to fathom that the township could justify to its taxpayers a decision to forgo the revenue in question, as Butler Mayor Leonard Pintell requested on April 19.

And, a scenario under which the city would annex the new business locations also seems very remote, albeit not totally out of the question. Annexation would require approval by both municipalities; township residents probably would soundly defeat any referendum with that goal in mind.

Tax revenue from the two businesses would help to avert future township tax increases.

It's also unlikely that the two businesses would want the township to give up its right to their taxes. The township's tax rate is 13 mills, 21.5 mills less than the millage rate in effect in the city.

Nevertheless, from the city's standpoint, Butler Mayor Leonard Pintell was right in putting his proposal before the township. Perhaps something can be worked out that would allow the city to be spared the total negative impact from what is proposed. Pintell was correct in telling the township commissioners that the West End revitalization effort would have benefits for both municipalities.

However, Bruno Muscatello, township solicitor, was also correct in his observation that the township would not be able to provide a quick decision on the mayor's request because of the amount of research that would have to be carried out.

"The township is doing very well as compared to the city," Pintell told township officials. The city has its back to the wall financially and cannot afford to lose any tax revenue.

But if the city has been able to find new space for CUECO, Keystone Electric Supply Co and Butler Winding - the three other businesses that will have to move in connection with the West End revitalization - it should look harder for space to accommdate BOC Gases and DuBrook.

It's understandable that the two companies might prefer to remain close to their current location, but there might be scenarios under which the companies would be willing to relocate to other parts of the city.

It's important that the the West End project not become sidetracked. Township refusal regarding the mayor's request wouldn't have that effect.

Revitalization of the city is in the best interests of the township too because of the progressive picture it would paint for the whole area. Therefore, the township should be open to reasonable partnering with the city on the entire area's behalf.

That might not be possible regarding the mayor's request, but at least the township officials were courteous and respectful in listening to what the mayor had to say.

Some communities would have rejected a request like the mayor's outright and moved on to their next agenda item, flatly refusing to give any further thought to it.

- J.R.K.