By Liz Lape
WASHINGTON, Ill. (25 News) – The Washington City Council reviewed a proposal for a new TIF district at its meeting on Monday night.
The proposed business development TIF district could cover multiple areas, including Washington Plaza, the area by Freedom Parkway, Business Route 24, McClugage Road, and Cummings Lane, or the land near the intersection of the Eagle and Business Route 24.
City Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh said this TIF district is different from most, and would not increase property taxes; it would increase sales tax.
He said the city would also need to spend around $26,000 to have the state run a blight study to determine whether those areas could be eligible TIF districts.
A few ward members shared their concerns about spending, saying they could instead impose a home rule sales tax on the city.
“If we can look at an opportunity to repurpose that quarter percent [home rule sales tax] to do something, to me, that would be an overall better investment,” Ward Member Michael McIntyre said.
Ward members in favor of a city-wide sales tax increase said the money gained from the tax could go toward business development specifically.
“I feel like one of our priorities here is to create economic development, EAV, and provide property tax relief for homeowners,” Ward Member Brandon Moss said.
According to 25 News, the council deferred further discussion on the TIF district to their first meeting in June.
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