Jefferson County Council confirms ERA designation for part of Jefferson Proving Ground; 6 in favor, 1 abstention

The Jefferson County Council voted to confirm Resolution 2026-011 on May 19, 2026, designating portions of the former Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) as an economic revitalization area (ERA), a move council members said will preserve potential local revenue from future development.

Dwayne May, chair of the county council, opened the special meeting and read the statutory basis for the council’s authority before reading the confirmatory resolution. He said state officials had flagged May 19 as a time-sensitive date and warned that, without action, the state could claim a larger share of revenue tied to development; acting tonight would allow “an 80/20 to Jefferson County residents,” he said, framing the ERA as a way to keep a greater share of future proceeds local.

Heather Foy, a county council member, read a prepared statement clarifying the council’s immediate action: “This ERA does not commit us to anything. It preserves our opportunity to get money for the county while preserving the right to vote up or down on particular exceptions of proposals.” Foy emphasized that the council was not voting on any specific project — such as a reported data center — but on whether the land should be eligible for ERA benefits.

Another council member urged swift action, saying the underused former airfield was “sitting there... let’s do something with this,” and argued the ERA would attract developer interest and provide funds for local needs such as library repairs, an animal shelter, EMS placement and potential tax relief.

A motion to vote on Resolution 2026-011 was moved and seconded (the transcript does not record mover/seconder names). One council member announced an abstention during the roll call. The chair later stated the motion carried with six votes in favor and one abstention; the transcript contains an initial inconsistent count but the final statement recorded was six yays and one abstain.

The council also noted procedural matters: a public hearing on the declaratory resolution was held May 12, 2026; the confirmatory vote tonight finalizes the council’s determination under the cited Indiana statutes. The chair reminded residents that public comment on related matters will be taken during the regular June 9 meeting and provided a contact number for follow-up.

The resolution and related exhibits (referenced as Exhibit A in the reading) identify the ERA area as part of the former Jefferson Proving Ground; the confirmatory action preserves the council’s option to consider specific exemptions or incentives only if proposed projects later come before the county. No specific development agreement or site-specific incentives were approved at the May 19 meeting.