The company that purchased the Southern Park Mall in late 2024 now owes around $500,000 in overdue property taxes, and local leaders said if it's not paid, the consequences could be significant for schools and emergency services. 

Mahoning County Treasurer Dan Yemma confirmed a payment from Kohan Retail Investment Group that was supposed to go through last week, but failed.

"An amount this size is definitely concerning," Yemmi said, "It’s definitely alarming, something that we definitely keep an eye on."

The company missed its first tax deadline in March.

“So the 10% penalty has already been assessed,” Yemma said, “Now the second half payment will be due August 1. If that’s not paid, there will be another 10% on that. Then in October and November, interest accrues, but you are technically not delinquent unless you don’t pay by December 31.”

Yemma said his office had not heard from Kohan for months.

“Their first responsibility to make property tax payments was this past March, and they haven’t done that,” Yemma said, “They appear to not be good at returning calls to anyone."

He said someone from the company called his office earlier this week and promised to make the full payment next week.

Boardman Township Administrator Jason Loree said the township is already feeling the effects, cutting back spending in anticipation that the funds may not come in.

“That’s a big chunk of money,” Loree said, “We’re talking, you know, that’s a couple police officers, couple firefighters, those are actual salary dollars. And if we don’t look at the salaries, then we’re looking at not buying cruisers. We’re going to cut back on what we do for patch repair. I mean, it’s substantial.”

This year, Boardman Township only purchased three cruisers instead of five, citing this specific funding concern.

Loree said around 18 to 20% of the property tax from the mall goes to the township and 60 to 75% of the total revenue goes to schools.

The rest supports public services including the Mill Creek MetroParks, Board of Developmental Disabilities, children's services, mental health programs, senior services and even the tuberculosis clinic.

He also confirmed Kohan still owes money to an energy improvement district (ECID) fund.

“Not to mention they also owe money to an ECID, which is an energy improvement district that was established several years back, and they have to pay that first, and that has not been sent either,” Loree said, “I’m not holding my breath. I want to make sure these taxes get paid. But knowing the company’s history, we have concerns."

21 News has previously reported that CEO Mike Kohan has kept a low profile since acquiring the mall and failed to appear for a scheduled one-on-one interview last week, despite telling 21 News he wanted to reassure the public.

Kohan Retail Investment Group has not responded to calls from 21 News. 

While trust in the mall's new owner remains shaky, Loree said there's still time, and it won't affect next year's budget if they get the money by the end of the year.