Muncie redevelopment commissioners approve up to $50,000 in TIF funds for new downtown Christmas tree

The Muncie Redevelopment Commission voted 4–1 on Dec. 18 to allot up to $50,000 from the downtown tax-increment financing (TIF) fund to purchase a commercial Christmas tree for downtown.

Commission discussion focused on cost, timing and public benefit. Commissioner Miss Wagner told colleagues a commercial “panel” tree runs “40 to $50,000” and that vendors typically offer a 33% discount for orders placed in January. She also said city foot‑traffic data estimated “almost 4,000 people downtown during that event,” which staff and the committee cited as justification for the expenditure.

Opposition centered on priority of spending. One commissioner told the room the money could be “better spent elsewhere,” and at least one commissioner said they would not support the item. The chair moved the motion to cap the TIF contribution at $50,000; the motion was seconded and passed with recorded votes: Bishop Yes, Dale No, Miller Yes, Prabilla Yes, Wagner Yes.

Under the action, staff may place an order to capture the vendor discount and proceed with procurement consistent with municipal purchasing rules. Commissioners did not set an exact purchase date beyond noting January discounts and discussed possibly locating a secondary tree at the Point while preserving a downtown focal tree.

The commission’s approval is limited to the TIF cap; further administrative steps and contract terms remain subject to staff negotiation and standard procurement review.