Taking a step in forming a new Tax Increment Finance district, the Wells County Commissioners Monday signed over jurisdiction of the portion outside the city limits.
After a discussion on how a TIF district could benefit the Jasun Park area on the city’s southwest side, the commissioners voted unanimously to turn its section over to the Bluffton Redevelopment Commission – jurisdiction of which will only concern the use of TIF funds and the district itself.
Wells County Economic Development Director Tim Ehlerding said a similar move was made in Ossian, which allowed the town to have jurisdiction of its TIF district, including the portion outside of the Ossian corporate limits.
Kevin Woodward expressed concern over future partnerships on potential projects if that land is in control of the county, and while Ehlerding said it would lessen the likelihood of the need to come to the county, it doesn’t remove the possibility.
Ehlerding also said a TIF district in that area of development could encourage future endeavors by capturing TIF funds. Possible projects from those TIF funds include the reconstruction of Harvest Road and 200S from Ind. 1 to Adams Street.
Prior to the TIF district discussion, Ehlerding gave updates on other happenings around the county.
Regarding the Regional Cities Initiative, he said region leaders are currently taking nominations for the five-person governance board. Ehlerding also said state officials have extended the deadline to submit project proposals from July 1 to the end of July.
Regarding Haldrup USA’s building construction in Ossian, Ehlerding said the target completion date is in August.
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