Council approves first reading of appropriation to cover legal costs for TIF expansion

On April 21 the Angola Common Council approved on first reading an additional-appropriation ordinance to add funds to the Redevelopment General Fund to cover legal and administrative expenses related to expanding the city’s tax increment finance (TIF) district.

City staff told the council the appropriation is intended to cover legal fees, legal descriptions of parcels to be included in the extended TIF district, right-of-way work and related administrative costs. “It will be for legal fees, legal descriptions of all the parcels that will be included in the extended TIF district, the work that has to be done with that with the right of way,” a city staff member said. The staff member also said the city probably will not spend the full amount but requested the appropriation to ensure funds are available.

Council members discussed the item as a first reading of Ordinance No. 17-75-2025; the motion for first reading was seconded and carried on a voice vote. Staff noted the appropriation will enable the city to hire outside redevelopment counsel and complete necessary administrative work for the planned expansion.

During reports, staff said Barnes & Thornburg has been hired as redevelopment counsel; the clerk/treasurer also reported that retired city engineer Bill Boyer had accepted an appointment to the Redevelopment Commission. Those staffing and legal arrangements were presented to the council as support for the TIF-expansion work. No specific dollar amounts for the appropriation were read into the record at the time of first reading beyond the characterization that the funds are to cover administrative and legal expenses.

The item will return to the council for subsequent readings and final action consistent with the city’s ordinance process.