Milford officials flag annexation and revenue concerns as proposed JEDD 8 with Union Township advances to public hearing

Council discussed a proposed Joint Economic Development District (JEDD 8) with Union Township at the July 16, 2024 meeting and agreed to schedule a public hearing before any council consideration. The proposal is tied to planned development around Ivy Point, including a Children's Hospital.

City Manager Michael Doss told the Administrative Services Committee that existing JEDDs with Union Township date to the early 2000s and that the new JEDD would continue a one-percent tax authority. Under the contract terms described to council, 85% of that tax revenue would go to Union Township and 15% to the City of Milford; the agreement also contains long-term annexation restrictions that would limit Milford’s ability to annex properties in the area for years, potentially extending into the 2050s. Council and staff sought greater equity on audit cost-sharing and revisions to annexation language but were not successful in negotiations to this point.

Mr. Doss recommended staff consider reverting to the approach used in the first JEDD when negotiating future agreements, but emphasized that a public hearing will be held before any ordinance or resolution is forwarded to council for final action. No vote was taken on JEDD 8 at the July 16 meeting; the item remains for public comment and further council consideration following the scheduled hearing.

What council asked for and next steps Council asked staff to provide additional details about revenue projections, audit responsibilities and the annexation timeline prior to any action. A public hearing will be scheduled before council considers legislation, and the Law Director was asked to draft the necessary documents once terms are agreed.