La Porte County Redevelopment Commission adopts TIF recapture resolution, authorizes deed work for 64 parcels

The La Porte County Redevelopment Commission on August 27 approved a resolution determining tax-increment recapture for the 2026 budget year and authorized grant-funded legal work to prepare 64 deeds for conveyance.

The commission voted by voice to adopt Resolution 2025-003 retroactive to July 15, 2025. Mary Jane read the title as "Resolution 2025Dash003. Resolution of the La Porte County Redevelopment Commission concerning the 2026 budget year determination for tax increment for La Porte County Redevelopment Commission allocation areas." The motion to pass the resolution was moved and seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The action came amid routine financial business. The treasurer reported account balances, including US 421 TIF #1 at $428,215 (after claims), US 421 TIF #2 at $25,008.87, KIDC TIF at $152,738, and 39 North TIF at $18,893. The commission moved to adopt the treasurer's report and approved multiple claims by voice vote across KIDC, US 421 and 39 North TIF accounts. The transcript lists payments to MCR Partners, NIPSCO utility charges, a $1,500 payment to Guy DiMartino, and other line items; total claim amounts were read into the record by the chair.

Commissioners and staff also discussed development and property work across multiple TIF areas. Staff reported ongoing work with the City of Michigan City and county engineering on punch-list items tied to a utility transfer connected to the US 421 TIF, saying the goal is to transfer the asset so Michigan City can permit new customers to tap in and facilitate development. On KIP/KIDC TIF activity staff said acquisition request letters have been sent and about half of property owners returned green sheets; two appraisals were ordered and staff plans to average the appraisals and prepare a request for proposals.

On federal parcels, staff and a commission member identified GSA as a contact and said records indicate the parcels are owned by the Army and show no active use; the next steps discussed include pursuing easements or potential acquisition in coordination with GSA and congressional staff. "We have a GSA contact person," one participant said while outlining outreach steps. Staff also said they will coordinate with INDOT and conduct a traffic study to determine access needs (signals, turn lanes) before advancing development in the Route 20/39 North area.

Separately, the commission approved using remaining grant funds (referenced in the transcript as part of a grant previously used for a bridge project) to pay for deed preparation. Staff reported they solicited quotes and recommended awarding the deed-preparation work to Guy DiMartino, to be paid from the grant; the work covers 64 parcels. The commission moved, seconded, and approved the legal services arrangement by voice vote.

The meeting concluded after a brief opportunity for other business and a motion to adjourn, which carried by voice vote. No public comments were recorded during the public-comment period in the transcript.

Next procedural steps noted in the meeting record include staff drafting and returning an RFP for property marketing (KIP/KIDC) and follow-up with Michigan City on utility extension interest and INDOT on access requirements for future development concepts.