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Fergus Falls selects consultant for TIF analysis tied to SCR expansion; work contingent on TIF application and escrow
Summary
Council approved hiring David Dronen and Associates to perform a tax increment financing (TIF) analysis related to an SCR Solutions expansion, contingent on receiving the formal TIF application and escrow. The consultant fee cited in discussion was $7,000 plus mileage.
The Fergus Falls City Council on Feb. 2 voted to accept a TIF‑analysis proposal from David Dronen and Associates, contingent on receipt of a formal TIF application and required escrow. The analysis is intended to support consideration of a TIF district connected to an SCR Solutions expansion on a roughly 8‑acre parcel currently under negotiation by the port authority.
City staff (Tyra) said three proposals were received — David Dronen and Associates, Ehlers and Northland Public Finance — and that all proposals would perform essentially the same work. Tyra noted that Dronen's proposal included a timeline for turnaround that the other proposals did not provide and that the firm provided references from comparable cities.
During discussion, council members asked about fees and whether escrow funds would cover all consultant costs. Tyra said the initial cost on the paperwork is $7,000 plus mileage and that any unused escrow funds would be refunded to the applicant; if costs exceed escrow, staff would ask the applicant for additional payment.
Council voted to proceed with David Dronen and Associates. The selection is contingent upon a completed TIF application, payment of the application fee and escrow deposit.
Next steps: staff will begin the TIF analysis once a formal TIF application and escrow are received and will report back on the district boundaries and detailed cost estimates when available.
