APC approves redevelopment commission amendment to fund housing study

The Decatur County Area Plan Commission on July 2, 2025, approved Resolution 2025‑1, an amendment proposed by the Decatur County Redevelopment Commission to add authority in the redevelopment plan and area plan for funding a housing study. John Schilling presented the amendment and said it would allow the redevelopment commission to provide funding to one of four entities (with costs split among participating entities) to pay for the study, which the Decatur County Economic Development Corporation will conduct.

Schilling told the commission the study’s purpose is to determine what types of housing are needed in the community and likely price ranges tied to local incomes — information that is commonly required to pursue other funding sources. He said the amendment adds housing to the redevelopment commission’s project list so it can allocate funds to the economic development corporation and partnering entities.

APC members asked clarifying questions about how the funding would flow and the study’s scope. Schilling reiterated that the redevelopment commission would fund the work and that a public hearing and subsequent commissioner action are required before finalization. An APC member moved and another seconded approval of Resolution 2025‑1; the clerk read the roll/vote with recorded yes votes and the chair announced the resolution passed.

Action taken: APC accepted Resolution 2025‑1 as an amendment to the area plan to permit funding of a housing study; the item will proceed to a public hearing stage and then to the Decatur County Commissioners for further action.