COMMENTARY: THE OPPORTUNITY FOR  THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR  THE VANDERBURGH COUNTY REDEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

During the last several years we have been quietly observing the activities of the Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission with extreme interest. We have seen some really productive community projects created for the public good by this board.  We also witnessed some political bickering and infighting. In fact, sometimes it was downright disappointing how certain members treated each other during the meetings.

The Redevelopment District of Vanderburgh County was established for the purpose of levying and collecting special benefit taxes (TIF) for economic redevelopment purposes.

The Redevelopment Commission Board’s mission is to finds and determines that all of the taxable property within this special taxing district will be considered to be benefited by the redevelopment projects and economic development projects.

The five members serving on this board are appointed by the County Council and County Commission.  Newly appointed members of this board are County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave (R), County Commissioner Ben Shoulders (D), County Councilmen Jim Raben (R), County Councilman Tom Shelter (R), and well-known and respected businessman, Wayne Kinney.

There are five (5) TIF Districts in Vanderburg County. Money collected from the five (5) TIF Districts is used to enhance the quality of life issues in the County.

By far the largest and most profitable TIF in Vanderburgh County is Burkhardt Road TiF.  During the last 3 or 4 years, many millions of dollars collected from Burkhardt Road TIF has been used for the expansion of Kansas Road, Oak Hill Road, Booneville -New Harmony Road and a proposed North Greenriver trails, sidewalks, and bike paths in the near future.

Members of this board determine what projects will have the most beneficial economic and quality of life impact within the budget restraints of the respective TIF”S.  The board submits its recommendations to the Vanderburgh County Commission who then approves the project contracts.

It’s important to point out that the newly appointed members of this board are strong will, opinionated, intelligent, hard-working, honest, visionary, have proven business skills, are politically savvy, and have the desire to make Vanderderburgh County a better place to raise their kids.  In fact, we consider the overall makeup of the membership of this most important public board to be competent.

We urge County Commissioner Cheryl Musgrave (R), County Commissioner Ben Shoulders (D), County Councilmen Jim Raben (R), County Councilman Tom Shelter (R), and Wayne Kinney to use all their life experiences and business skills to plan, analyze and candidly discuss how they can invest future TIF money in a creative, responsible and conservative. manner.  Most importantly, they will achieve measurable results if they decide future projects by a consensus vote.

If they can achieve the above challenges this will be the perfect opportunity for members of the Vanderburgh County Redevelopment Commission to show the citizens of our community that are indeed outstanding public servants that know how to practice “Good Public Policy.”

CCO STAFF