LaPorte County RDC adopts $781,577 2026 TIF spending plan and approves consultant, legal contracts

The LaPorte County Redevelopment Commission approved its 2026 tax-increment-financing (TIF) spending plan and several service contracts during a Dec. 10 meeting at the county government complex.

Karl Cender of Cender/Dalton presented the plan, saying it fulfills "requirements set by the Indiana General Assembly" and is intentionally flexible to allow amendments during the year. The commission approved a total proposed spending plan of $781,577 for 2026.

Commissioners voted unanimously on a series of related motions. Tom Fath moved to adopt the 2026 spending plan and Scott Cooley seconded; the motion carried without dissent. The commission also approved the MCR Partners 2026 proposal, Guy DiMartino's 2026 legal services contract, the Cender/Dalton annual financial consultant agreement, and the 2026 meeting schedule after separate motions and seconds; all approvals were unanimous.

The meeting record includes the treasurer's report by TIF area: US 421/I-94 #1 — $430,468; 421/I-94 #2 — $0; Kingsbury Industrial Park (KIDC) — $136,313; 39 North — $11,592. Regular claims presented totaled $14,866.65; the commission approved claim batches for KIDC ($1,145.42), US 421 #1 ($11,090.41) and 39 North ($2,670.71).

The spending plan establishes a working framework for allocations across four TIF areas. Cender told the commission the plan will be revisited and adjusted if the commission receives new revenue or project opportunities during 2026. The commission’s procedural votes to approve the plan and contracts mean staff and consultants may begin work under the adopted 2026 budgets.

The meeting adjourned at 4:31 p.m.; the next meeting is scheduled for Jan. 28, 2026.