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LaPorte County RDC approves joint undertaking with La Porte to enable TIF funding for proposed Microsoft-area projects
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Summary
The commission approved a joint undertaking agreement with the City of La Porte to allow the city to allocate the county portion of tax increment revenues for projects in a proposed TIF area tied to prospective Microsoft investment; legal clarifications and signature logistics were discussed.
LaPorte County Redevelopment Commission members voted April 22 to approve a joint undertaking agreement with the City of La Porte that will allow the city’s redevelopment commission to allocate the county portion of tax increment revenues to fund projects in a proposed tax increment financing (TIF) area tied to a prospective Microsoft investment.
Mister Reardon, who presented the agreement, said Microsoft “is interested in making a substantive investment in the county,” and described the agreement as a mechanism to coordinate how TIF revenues are allocated and reported. He explained that the agreement uses the county’s portion of property-tax increments for activities outlined in an associated plan document — including roadway, sewer and drainage work, and other public improvements — and referenced Indiana Code 36-7-14 as the statutory authority for TIF activity described in the presentation.
The presentation emphasized that the agreement does not change permit requirements or local codes and that the city and county must cooperate on reporting, annual budget filings and decisions about assessed valuation inside the district. Attorney Guy DiMartino reviewed a drafting note on dispute resolution and recommended signing two copies so both sides could retain an executed original.
Commissioner Mark Parkman moved to approve the joint undertaking agreement; John Carr seconded. The chair called for a voice vote and commissioners signified “aye,” carrying the approval.
The commission’s approval was contingent on the city completing its own approval process; staff said the City of La Porte redevelopment commission was scheduled to consider the agreement at a subsequent meeting. DiMartino asked that signature copies be exchanged immediately so the county and city each would have an original signed document.
Next steps identified in the meeting included finalizing the agreement language (minor edits to dispute-resolution language were noted) and coordinating the document exchange so both parties would have signed copies available.
The commission adjourned after concluding remaining agenda items.
