Taxing districts to select representatives for TIF commission

The city of Cape Girardeau started last week notifying local taxing districts to nominate representative members to a tax-increment financing commission, and some still are looking for volunteers.

Council members voted July 6 to convene the commission, a move that followed council approval of a solicitation for an open-ended request for proposals regarding projects in a possible downtown tax-increment financing district.

The district is bounded by Mason Street and Highway 74 on the north and south, and it spans east to west from Sprigg Street to the Mississippi River. The district comprises about 305 acres.

As a taxing district within those boundaries, Cape Girardeau County has been asked to appoint two members to the commission.

"Two people to be our advocates and to voice any concerns we have about any proposals and bring that back to the commission," Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy said at Thursday's county commission meeting.

The three commissioners discussed possible appointments but ultimately did not make a decision, deciding to take the matter up again on Monday. None of the commissioners has been approached so far by interested volunteers, but Tracy said at the meeting, "let this be kind of a notice" the county is seeking two individuals.

Cape Girardeau originally formed the TIF commission in 2002 to consider a proposed TIF distric near Dalhousie Golf Club. The proposal ultimately was withdrawn by developers, and the commission has seen little action since. The county had two representatives on the commission at that time, though commissioners said those individuals no longer were available to continue serving.

Eleven people will serve on the commission. Per state law, six will be appointed by the city, two by the county, two by the Cape Girardeau Public School District and one by other taxing districts collecting within the TIF district's boundaries.

Deputy city manager Molly Hood said the first commission meeting tentatively is scheduled for Aug. 13, and appointments should be made before that date. Responsibilities of the TIF commission include hosting public hearings and making recommendations to the city concerning the adoption of redevelopment plans and projects.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, Mo.

1 Barton Square, Jackson, Mo.