Committee backs $150,000 boost to TIF District 15 budget to fund Weinbrenner incentive

The Finance, Budget and Personnel Committee on March 4 recommended council approval of Budget Resolution 09-2025 to increase the TIF District No. 15 incentive budget by $150,000 to allow milestone payments to Weinbrenner Shoe Factory.

Steve Bargue, city administrator, told the committee the increase would let the city make the first scheduled refund payment under the development agreement for property Weinbrenner bought in the Mill Creek Business Park. “The amount that Weinbrenner paid for this property, the 15 acres in the business park, was $150,000,” Bargue said, and staff confirmed the developer completed the foundation work that triggers the first milestone payment of $45,000.

The development agreement ties vendor reimbursements to construction milestones: 30% at foundation completion, 60% at substantial completion, and the final 10% withheld until exterior site improvements such as parking and landscaping are finished. Bargue said the new 70,000-square-foot plant is expected to be completed late in 2025 with occupancy in early 2026, and the city is concurrently planning redevelopment of Weinbrenner’s downtown property on West Third Street.

Committee members moved and seconded the recommendation; the committee voted in favor and the motion passed. The committee packet and Bargue’s remarks indicate staff will make the first milestone payment once the council approves the budget increase.

Why it matters: The payment is part of an incentive package to encourage Weinbrenner’s relocation to Mill Creek Business Park, a project the city says promotes economic development and eliminates blight in the designated area.