JACKSON USES TIF FOR DEVELOPMENT

The city of Jackson is proceeding with establishment of a tax-increment financing district west of Interstate 55. The city hopes the TIF designation will speed commercial and industrial development in the 750-acre tract.

The TIF district will capture 50 percent of the sales tax within its boundaries. That money will be used for infrastructure improvements and other projects in the city.

TIFs are workable tools for cities. The only drawback might be the loss of funding for school districts. But Jackson Superintendent Howard Jones and Assistant Superintendent Terry Gibbons are both members of the TIF commission that developed the 23-year plan.

That input will help ensure the school district fares well under the plan. As it stands, the district will not lose any taxes thanks to a pass-through arrangement.

The fact this TIF will work to development the entire 750-acre tract and not just one business should help ensure its success.