Golden Lamb operator retracts request for assistance

Mullinger appeared before council Monday, July 20 to  “ask what kind of help could be available to (his) business.”

“We’re a small business that operates with unusual and above normal expenses,” Mullinger said.

Mullinger said the appearance was the continuation of talks he had been having with the city for two years regarding seeking historic tax credits.

The Golden Lamb is owned by the family of Rob Portman, who is running for the U.S. Senate in 2010. After news of Mullinger’s request became public, Portman was blasted on local radio shows and in an e-mail from the Ohio Democratic Party.

Caroline Joseph, spokeswoman for the Golden Lamb, said the retraction of Mullinger’s request had nothing to do with any public outcry. Mullinger was not available for comment.

Mullinger cited the two-year, $5.5 million renovation the historic inn completed earlier this year on the 200-year old building as taxing for the business. Mullinger said in particular the utility costs during the renovation were draining.

City council members, citing Lebanon’s own money difficulties, notably a projected deficit in its general fund in 2012, were hesitant to offer a blank check to the company.

“The city of Lebanon has consistently offered to be helpful during the restoration efforts at the Golden Lamb,” Mullinger wrote in his letter. “Since the start of the project over two years ago the city has indicated that there are available economic development incentives and encouraged the Golden Lamb to pursue them. The Golden Lamb appreciates the city’s offer of support, and is grateful for the extraordinary community support the Golden Lamb has always received.”

The Golden Lamb is the oldest continually operating business in Ohio, have opened in 1803. The restaurant and inn is owned by Stevens Hospitality, while the physical building is owned by the Portman family.

City manager Pat Clements said he had met with the Mullinger and a member of the Portman family prior to the renovation and had discussed tax abatements and helping the company to apply for historical tax credits from the state. Clements said the city also waived all permit fees during the restaurant’s renovation, which he said totalled nearly $10,000.