Richmond TIF Public Hearing Postponed 

Last week’s Richmond village board meeting had to be moved from its usual location at the village hall to Memorial Hall because an extraordinarily large number of people showed up. Even Memorial Hall could not safely handle the crowed estimated at 250 people. Approximately 50 people went into the balcony section when they could not find either seating or standing room on the main floor.

 

After some discussion village officials decided to end the meeting before it started because safety regulations limit the building to 180 people. The board rescheduled the meeting for March 18^th at 7:30 pm at Richmond Burton High School, 8311 N. Route 31.  Some citizens wanted the meeting to continue but Village Attorney David McArdle was adamant about the decision. “If they must stand, it won’t work,” said McArdle.

 

Richmond Fire Chief supported McArdle’s statement. “It makes a difference if some people must stand,” said  Rick Gallas.

 

The village had a financial study about the TIF prepared by Speer Financial, Inc. at the meeting. Village Administrator Tim Savage said he is not sure if the Speer analysis would be presented at the January 18^th meeting. “The report shows that even without an extra payment to the taxing districts the effect on taxes for a $400,000 home would be only $12 to $15 more per year.” 

 

Savage said that a board vote on the TIF would not be taken at the next meeting. “The rules state we must wait at least 14 days after the public hearing,” said Savage.

 

Many of the people who came to the meeting were from Spring Grove. This was primarily the result of a letter sent to all people with Richmond and Spring Grove addresses. The letter expressed fear that a TIF would escalate real estate taxes. It was sent by taxing bodies including Richmond-Burton High  School District 157, District 2, the Nippersink Library District, Richmond Township and the Richmond Township Cemetery District. These entities are opposed to the proposed TIF.

 

According to District 2 Superintendent, Paul Hain, the total cost of the mailing for the letter was $1,883.71. Printing was $759.54 and postage cost $1,124.17. Hain said the schools agreed to pay for the letter but not other taxing bodies that signed on.

 

"They were irresponsible," Savage said about the letter. "They led with the headline 'Are you prepared for the tax increase' with no solid proof for their position. Our studies show that the TIF will have a zero net effect with the extra payments we would make to taxing bodies."

 

Trustee Dennis Bardy is not sure how he will vote on the TIF issue. “I’ve not yet made my decision,” said Bardy. “I could be persuaded either way. I want to learn more from the schools.” Bardy said people need to know that their tax bills are determined by new assessments and not by the tax rate. He does feel that the money generated by a TIF plan would help revitalize the village.

 

Trustee Roy Wulffen is also not ready to commit on the vote yet. “I wanted the meeting to happen,” said Wulffen. “One of my concerns is if future village boards will use it correctly.”