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County approves 30-day notification waiver to speed Barnesville 31-unit rental project
Summary
The Clay County Board signed a 30-day timeline waiver so the city of Barnesville can proceed with a public hearing on a proposed tax-increment financing district for a 31-unit Creative Rentals apartment project and meet the developer—s construction timeline.
The Clay County Board on Tuesday approved a 30-day notification waiver for the public hearing process that the city of Barnesville requested to create a tax-increment financing (TIF) district for a proposed 31-unit rental apartment project by Creative Rentals.
Karen Lauer, representing the Barnesville Economic Development Authority, told the board the EDA acquired property about six years ago to attract multifamily housing and has worked with a developer for close to a year. She said the parcel was enlarged through additional acquisitions and a vacation of right-of-way so it can accommodate "a 31 unit 2 story apartment building," and that the developer has requested TIF assistance under state statute. Karen said the city council set a public hearing for July 14 and publication will run June 30, which would not meet the statute—s standard 30-day public-notice window unless the county waives it.
Karen explained the waiver is requested to keep the project on a condensed schedule so the developer can pull a building permit in July and complete construction in May 2026: "In order for him to start construction this year, we really do need to fast track this project." She said the city and Barnesville EDA worked with Ehlers, a financial adviser, and asked the county to sign the waiver so the timeline would not delay the project.
The board read a letter from Commissioner Mojo (read into the record by a commissioner) expressing full support for the TIF waiver and the project—s potential to add 32 to 36 units (the letter gave a slightly different unit range) and to address local housing needs. Commissioner Ebinger moved approval and Commissioner Kravanoff seconded; the board approved the waiver by voice vote.
County discussion emphasized support for housing development and local due diligence: "We need housing," Ebinger said, and commissioners commended Barnesville—s engagement and planning. The board did not authorize the TIF itself; the action was limited to waiving the county-level 30-day notice requirement so the city—s hearing process may proceed on an accelerated schedule.
Why this matters: the waiver accelerates the local TIF review process so the developer can seek permits and begin construction before winter; the underlying decision on whether to approve a TIF district will be made in Barnesville following the public hearing and required statutory steps.
What—s next: the city of Barnesville will hold its public hearing July 14; county staff will file the waiver, and the city and EDA will continue coordination with Ehlers and the developer on project financing and permit timelines.
