Redevelopment Commission tables Muncie Downtown Development renewal, asks for semiannual financial reporting

Muncie Downtown Development asked the Muncie Redevelopment Commission on June 18 to renew its partnership for two years, continuing a semiannual support payment and access to a downtown database that staff and developers have used for property and vacancy tracking.

"We respectfully request the renewal of our partnership for an additional 2 year term," said Amanda, executive director of Muncie Downtown Development, who described roughly 898,000 annual downtown visits and estimated $2.5–3.0 million in annual TIF revenue tied to downtown activity.

Commissioner Waggle said she would not vote for an agreement she had not had a chance to review and asked for clarity about what the $40,000 every six months pays for. The chair clarified the payment functions as operational support for MDDP’s staffing, events and marketing, and that database access is a component rather than the sole product of the partnership.

The commission requested that MDDP provide a written financial report on MRC‑funded expenditures on the same schedule as compensation (every six months). Following discussion, a motion to table the renewal so members could review the amended language passed on a voice vote of commissioners present.

No final funding decision was made at the meeting; commissioners said the pause will allow time to add the reporting amendment and for members to review materials. MDDP representatives said there would be no coverage gap in services if action is delayed until the next meeting.

The commission will reconsider the request after members receive the proposed amendment and supporting documentation.