Zion council tables TIF request from Roger Whitmore Automotive, sets follow-up for April 7

The Zion City Council on March 20 voted to table a request from Roger Whitmore Automotive for tax-increment financing (TIF 7) assistance until its April 7 meeting, saying the council wants more analysis of the district’s finances and the option to phase the project.

City Administrator Dave Nathan reviewed the application, noting the petitioner originally sought $77,773 to install a new HVAC system and roof at 1711 Kenosha Road and signage at 3525 Route 173 and later requested an additional $1,227, bringing the request to about $79,000. Nathan told the council the TIF 7 fund is operating at a deficit and that the district will be balancing several obligations, including a planned Fire Station 2 project that may constrain available TIF dollars for roughly five to six years.

“The TIF is relatively new and is currently operating at a significant deficit,” Nathan said, summarizing staff concerns and the options before council: approve the original amount, approve the revised amount not to exceed $79,000, phase the work, or deny the request.

One commissioner argued for caution, saying the city should not “make a habit of spending money that we don’t have” in the TIF while other corridor projects remain unprepared for development. Nathan said phasing the work was feasible and recommended staff follow up with the petitioner on whether they would accept a phased approach.

After the discussion, Commissioner Fisher moved to table consideration until the council’s April 7 meeting so staff and the petitioner could explore a phased option; the motion carried by roll call vote.

Background: The TIF board had unanimously recommended approval at its prior meeting; staff relayed that the board’s recommendation preceded the petitioner’s later, modest increase in requested assistance. The council did not take a final vote on funding on March 20; action is scheduled to resume April 7.