More questions than answers for NIA

Little public support for creation of new TIF district

 

IMLAY CITY — Although the turnout represented a small portion of city residents, those in attendance at a Question and Answer session at the Imlay City commission room last week made it clear how they feel about the possible creation of a Neighborhood Improvement Authority.

The meeting was held prior to the regular commission meeting on December 2 where board members formally voted on first readings of two ordinances related to the creation of the NIA.

Of those in the crowd of around 20 people, a handful spoke publicly about the issue during the hour-long meeting, with no one having positive things to say about the concept.

Some city officials say the NIA (if created) would mean more tax dollars for the city to do needed improvements.

Those who spoke expressed concern taxes on their homes and properties would be going up at some point.

Taxpayers within the proposed NIA district have been told their taxes would not go up due to the NIA.

However, officials have admitted taxes would go up, as property values increase.

At an earlier meeting, Commissioner Tom Blount told residents, “That’s going to happen (tax increase) whether or not we have the NIA.”

Mayor Barbara Yockey said the city will be accepting applications for members to serve on the seven-member NIA board and the commission is expected to name those board members at a meeting early next year.

Members of the community have been encouraged to apply for a spot on the NIA board or other openings on various city committees.

Talk of creating the NIA first began in February of this year when Commissioners reviewed the Master Plan for the city.

As part of the potential creation of the NIA, a “wish list” of projects had to be created that could be covered by NIA funds. Some of those projects include infrastructure upgrades and street improvements.

If a potential project was not on the list of work that could be done ahead of when the application for the taxing district was submitted, NIA funds would not be available to use to cover the costs, at a later date.

It’s estimated the city would take in $54,568 in the first year, if the taxing district is created.

The revenue stream would more than double in 2027 ($110,500) and jump to nearly $350,000 in five years.

A chart that showed the revenue stream for the life of the 30-year plan estimated the city would take in more than $1 million in 2041 and over $1.5 million by 2050.

For the duration of the plan, the city would see $30,526,530 when the plan expired in 2056.

It’s anticipated the commission will have the second reading of the two NIA ordinances on their next agenda.

A final vote by commissioners, on whether or not the NIA will be created, is expected to take place at their December 16 meeting.