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Council moves $450,000 of TID 11 money to speed Civic Center Park upgrades
Summary
The Common Council approved using $450,000 of tax-increment (TID 11) funds to advance Civic Center Park improvements, citing a narrow 2026 contracting window and long-term savings compared with bonding; the motion passed 10–3.
The La Crosse Common Council on April 9 approved a resolution (26-0276) to allocate $450,000 in TID 11 funds for upgrades to Civic Center Park, a decision supporters said would avoid future borrowing and speed needed repairs.
Project manager Jim Flatmeyer told council staff had originally placed the park work in the 2030 CIP but moved the project up after TID 11 increment became available. "We put it in 2026 because TID 11 funds were available and it made sense to move it up into 2026," Flatmeyer said, adding the work could be placed under contract by the October deadline to meet TID expenditure rules.
Deputy planning director Tim Ackland and Finance Director Hawkins described the mechanics and timeline for TIDs: TID 11 currently holds roughly $2.6 million in cash and generates about $4.5 million in increment annually, and if not contracted by the expenditure deadline the increment will either remain in the TID or be distributed per statute. Ackland noted that TID 11 is designated a donor TID and can contribute to TID 18 (Riverpointe District) or the Redevelopment Authority as allowed uses.
Questions from council members addressed why the project was not in the CIP sooner and whether using TID funds would reduce borrowing; Flatmeyer said moving the project into TID financing would reduce long-term debt and the impact on the general fund. Council discussion also considered public-market and housing uses for TID money and whether the prioritization process was followed.
The vote to appropriate TID 11 funds for Civic Center Park passed 10–3. Councilmembers opposed expressed concerns about mid-cycle CIP changes and prioritization, while supporters argued the move saves borrowing costs and uses local increment for local infrastructure.
Next steps: Staff expect to get the project under contract by October to meet TID expenditure timelines and will return with project details and timeline.
