Franklin County Redevelopment Commission met Oct. 25 as more of a “formality,” as president Bill Schirmer noted. 

He had received a report from the auditor's office that didn't provide updated fund balances for the commission or how Tax Increment Finance (TIF) and redevelopment monies had been allocated.

The funds can expect a bump following the November property tax draw, but Schirmer said that amount is typically below that of the May tax receipts. Nick Lawrence/The Wheatley Group, the county's economic development consultant, via phone hookup said he would make it a point to have detailed fund and expenditure reports prior to the next meeting Nov. 29.

With a major gas pipeline project moving north up Indiana 101 on his mind, Schirmer brought up the need for FCRC to handle its share of a $500,000 county bill upon the pending completion of installation. Half the total comes from Regional Economic and Acceleration Development Initiative (READI) funding out of the American Rescue Plan Act. 

Member John Palmer stated the commissioners seem to be okay with paying half the remaining $250,000, which leaves around $125,000 owed by the redevelopment commission – most likely coming from TIF revenue.

There was a little uncertainty about who would generate the invoice(s), Sycamore Gas (Lawrenceburg) or Mary McCarty of the area READI team, when one would be seen, and which entities would officially take care of the bill. Lawrence added that READI is likely to dictate the appropriate flow of funds. Palmer said he'd approach auditor Karla Bauman to have the money pre-approved prior to a commissioner resolution and county council appropriation in November. 

Palmer brought up a cheaper READI project going on along the I-74 corridor between Schuman Road (next to East Central High School) in Dearborn County and the Southgate industrial complex (Brackney site) in Franklin Co.

One Dearborn and FC Economic Development each contributed toward a consultant study to determine what – if anything – could be developed in that defined territory, i.e., housing or commercial. The study, not officially approved yet, could recommend certain utility improvements or local transportation routes that would have to be in place to support a project.

Also considered will be different zoning requirements for Franklin, Dearborn and the town of St. Leon. “(The consultants) will be listening to the entire gamut of opinions, taking into consideration the people who live there,” said Palmer.

Schirmer agreed, saying he had heard at a meeting with St. Leon officials that one of the most important questions is, “what don't you want?”
“One of the worst things that could happen, as far as I'm concerned, is you put things in the ground before you know (for sure) what you're putting there,” added Palmer.

Sara Duffy, nonvoting member representing FC schools, said via phone that she had heard someone is planning to build an Airbnb destination near Southgate on Old State Route 74, but added it probably wouldn't involve any development money from the county.

Duffy later expressed concern about the PILOT program (payment in lieu of taxes) in which the school corporation is set to receive 15% annually of any redevelopment monies captured in the TIF district. 

One concern was that outgoing commissioner Tom Linkel – a proponent of the program – may not be available late in the year, so she wanted the current commissioners to get the proper legal channels (compliance with the Department of Local Government Finance is a main one) squared away prior to Jan. 1. Another issue was county attorney Grant Reeves was to prepare the documentation for commissioners to sign; Duffy noted Reeves' position on the school board may give him pause in working up the agreements.

Schirmer said he'd contact Reeves promptly to address her concerns. Also, Lawrence will add this issue to FCRC's November agenda.

Schirmer mentioned one other project, that being the potential housing development east of Reservoir Hill just north of Brookville. READI wouldn't yet support this, but Schirmer said Brookville Town Council has agreed to allow himself and Palmer to lead a small group in looking at further infrastructure opportunities there. No numbers are currently in place to again put in front of the READI group.

Lawrence added it was commendable of the pair to bring up these items transparently in public forums. “It takes months, sometimes years to bring (projects) to fruition,” he said.