Alderman urges Silvis council to review TIF strategy as city starts comprehensive plan

Alderman Craig Pirmann urged the Silvis City Council on Feb. 3 to convene a strategic review of Tax Increment Financing districts and the city’s broader economic development approach as the city prepares to launch a comprehensive plan in May.

"I have been looking at TIFs for over 10 years and I really think it is time we sit down together and decide what we are doing as a whole," Pirmann said during alderman comments. He noted the city is largely landlocked and that relying on TIFs alone is insufficient: "Paying people to come to our city is not the answer." The transcript records no immediate response from other council members that changed course on TIF policy.

City Administrator Jerry told the council the comprehensive plan process will begin in May and run about 12 months with public input and steering committees; he said staff expect the plan will strengthen grant applications and guide future development decisions. Jerry also reported the city shares a $1.2 million Tri-Cities housing grant and has applied for additional infrastructure grants.

Pirmann's request did not include a formal motion or schedule for a follow-up meeting; Alderman Steve Marinaccio later asked staff to arrange a formal, nonquorum meeting or other process for more detailed discussion.

The council approved a separate, specific TIF extension for Slyter Professional Holding, LLC in the same meeting but the extension's terms were not described on the record. Pirmann's remarks call for a broader, citywide review of TIF use rather than an immediate reversal of the approved extension.

The Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.