Commissioners table Mishawaka MOU after online commenter raises concerns about large East‑side economic development area and TIFs

Summary

An online commenter urged more public input and objected to an MOU that, he said, advances a large East Side Economic Development Area and related TIFs; staff said the MOU is still being drafted and the board voted to table the memorandum of understanding regarding IURC matters with the City of Mishawaka.

An online commenter identified as Mr. Francis addressed the St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners during the Nov. 12 meeting to ask about a memorandum of understanding regarding IURC matters with the City of Mishawaka.

Mr. Francis said the MOU appears to establish an economic development area across significant East Side acreage and would enable tax increment financing (TIF) districts; he urged commissioners to ensure robust public input rather than approve processes after decisions are largely settled. He warned of local resistance, referenced a prior large turnout in Granger opposing a Microsoft project and questioned previous statements by the county’s economic development director about boundaries of the IEC.

County staff told the board the agreement is still being drafted and requested tabling the item until drafting is complete. Following that staff request, commissioners voted to table consideration of the memorandum of understanding.

The board did not take testimony on the MOU at this meeting and deferred further action until the draft is complete and additional review occurs.