Evaluation of Well Field Risks Related to Coal Ash Storage.

Evaluation of Well Field Risks Related to Coal Ash Storage

***NOTE: We now have another MODEL for the Coal Ash Issue. It is important to look at what data is being used and what threats to the water supply are being studied in each of these models. Conclusions and headlines can be misleading about the future safety of our water. Read the reports critically.

Jack Wittman, PhD of Intera- Geoscience and Engineering Solutions- Report done for Lawrenceburg Municipal Utilities and posted on their website March 29, 2019 after presenting to the Lawrenceburg Utility Board on March 25, 2019. Title of Report- Evaluation of Well Field Risks Related to Coal Ash Storage. Report and pictures are about 10 pages.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/WhiskeyCityUtilities/posts/

related coverage:
https://www.thedcregister.com/news-latest/phd-hydrologist-water-wells-near-clean-site-safe

https://www.eaglecountryonline.com/news/local-news/geoscientist-hired-by-utility-company-finds-no-fly-ash-risk-to-lawrenceburg-water-supply/

25 March 2019 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

25 March 2019 Dearborn County Plan Commission Meeting Notes

Present: Dennis Kraus, Jr., Chairman, Russell Beiersdorfer, John Hawley, Mark Lehman, , Michael Lynch, Jake Hoog, Bill Ullrich, Jim Thatcher.

ABSENT: Eric Lang

Also Present: Mark McCormack, Plan Director, and Andy Baudendistel, Attorney.

Title VI Statement read by Baudendistel as required by law.

ACTION ON MINUTES- no minutes

OLD BUSINESS:

NEW BUSINESS:

Request: A Zone Map Amendment from R to B-2 to allow a series of commercial uses—including, but not necessarily limited to retail and commercial service uses Applicants: R & K Sun Valley, LLC ( Frederick Brandt/ Jerry and Penny Rollins)

 Site Location: Between 5911 and 6495 S.R. 350—on the south side of State Road 350 (across from the South Dearborn School campus) 

 Legal: Sec. 25, T 5N, R 2W, Parcels 15-08-25-800-016.001-008, 15-08-25-400-082.000-008 Township: Hogan 

 Zoning: Residential (R) Size: 7.569 Acres

Mark McCormack  presented the case. This land is across from South Dearborn Schools. Site and surrounding current use is Agricultural and Residential- low to moderate and near Industrial-1 area They are requesting a B-2 zone. Existing driveway on western part. They are proposing an entrance more central to the property across from the school. The most developable parts are closest to the roadway. Property drops off after that per the contour maps. The sewer letter that was missing came in on Friday. Some of the B-2 uses have been omitted. The commercial uses have not all been delineated. McCormack noted that they need to list all the uses they do NOT want to be considered for this B-2 in the recommendation f they give it a favorable. Traffic study may need to be done later depending on the use- so that should also be addressed as a written commitment. They would also have to do the improvements associated with a traffic study. INDOT also has to issue a permit. Ullrich noted that the traffic study needs to be done while school is in session. The uses on the concept plan are not set in stone as to potential uses. Slopes on the parcels would require a geotech analysis if they were to be developed. If board wants guidelines to be used for sure they need to state that in their motion. Traffic count is 5296/day heading NW and 9590/day before the school. McCormack had several parts that mention getting written commitments for this zone change. There are concrete swales from 350 onto this land. The 3 big issues are the steep slopes, the traffic study and the potential uses of the site - and require written commitments in the recommendation of given. Have to anticipate at least 1000 trips per day. Discussed the possibility of a light at the intersection at some point. INDOT wants to push for one entrance there and eliminate the existing driveway. 

Jerry Rollins came up to address any questions. They decided to look at this opportunity because of the congestion and expense on US 50. He is alright with eliminating the existing driveway. this may sit awhile as they are just speculating on this. 

Chris with Hrezo Engineering also reiterated that the drive from the school would perhaps require cross easements that would make the other parcel covered for access. 

Public discussion- no one spoke only 1 resident was in audience.  

Board discussion- Kraus Jr. went over the points they needed to consider. They may need a deceleration lane if the traffic study says that and INDOT would require it. There are 7 numbered items they are willing to throw out for uses. 

Lehman motioned for a favorable recommendation for a zone change from R to B-2 with written commitments:  provided a traffic study is required if  a use reaches 1000 vpd,  geotech study for hillside development if that occurs, single use access point with easements, exclude B-2 uses 20-21, 36,39, B-1 uses15, 25, and 26. Beiersdorfer 2nd. All ayes.

ADMINISTRATIVE:

Commissioners passed both updates sent to them.

Lost our GIS person- so have 10 people applied. Many don’t seem to have the skill set. Discussion about how to get someone with that skill and also keep them. Also how much the county benefits from this position. The cities and towns use our GIS also.  There’s a lot of utility infrastructure that we do NOT have in our GIS. If we could update and create those layers, developers would be paying for that info. And that would perhaps fund the staffing to some degree??? Going to check with Council on this in May probably. 

Article 25, Section 2516, regarding the location of accessory uses and structures, of the Zoning Ordinance. McCormack presented the max height for accessories and also the differences for Ag and residential areas. Industrial and commercial uses are different. McCormack will redraft this within the next month. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

Links to the Latest Proposed Plans from Tanners Creek Development LLC for the AEP Coal Ash Sites

Tanners Creek Development LLC Responses to IDEM on Closure plans for AEP site received this week at IDEM:

From the Virtual File Cabinet at IDEM site:
Responses on both letters from IDEM. The 1st is 49 pages
the second link is 14 pages.

https://ecm.idem.in.gov/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=82728802&dDocName=82730807&Rendition=web&allowInterrupt=1&noSaveAs=1&fileName=82730807.pdf

and

https://ecm.idem.in.gov/cs/idcplg?IdcService=GET_FILE&dID=82728918&dDocName=82730923&Rendition=web&allowInterrupt=1&noSaveAs=1&fileName=82730923.pdf

AGENDA- March 25th Plan Commission Meeting

PLAN COMMISSION AGENDA
 Monday March 25th, 2019 7:00 P.M. 
*Location: Henry Dearborn Meeting Room, 1st floor of new building addition (on the left) in the Dearborn County Government Center 

A. ROLL CALL 
B. ACTION ON MINUTES 
C. OLD BUSINESS – NONE TO BE RE-OPENED 

D. NEW BUSINESS Request: A Zone Map Amendment from R to B-2 to allow a series of commercial uses—including, but not necessarily limited to retail and commercial service uses Applicants: R & K Sun Valley, LLC ( Frederick Brandt/ Jerry and Penny Rollins)
 Site Location: Between 5911 and 6495 S.R. 1—on the south side of State Road 350 (across from the South Dearborn School campus) 
 Legal: Sec. 25, T 5N, R 2W, Parcels 15-08-25-800-016.001-008, 15-08-25-400-082.000-008 Township: Hogan 
 Zoning: Residential (R) Size: 7.569 Acres

 E. ADMINISTRATIVE  Article 25, Section 2516, regarding the location of accessory uses and structures, of the Zoning Ordinance

For additonal info go to:https://www.dearborncounty.org/egov/documents/1552593396_30465.pdf

19 March 2019 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

19 March 2019 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Art Little, and Rick Probst

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.

OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS

Joseph DeVito District State Service Officer SE at Indiana Dept of Veterans Affairs- introduced himself and gave some history of veterans affairs office and changes since 2012. They wanted to look at ways to improve veteran’s service. Veteran’s claims are tax free.  6 district service officers in the state. County government appoints the veteran’s service officer and they partner with the state on some of the duties he has to do. Trying to get things paperless and so get the computers and scanners this officers need. The van transportation program here is one he uses for his model. Getting an assistant one or two days a week would free up the veteran’s officer to do home and nursing home visits for claims. Goal is to not have the office closed when the officer is out doing that. Thatcher mentioned that Mike Burgess - our officer - had helped get a widow’s benefit for his mom recently. Homeless veteran’s are being handled through the VA often. The most difficult group to help are the homeless ones who don’t want help. No decisions required. 

Health Dept Grant Request- Mary Calhoun Health Dept Leader- Sue Hayden presenting as Mary is working . $91,483.48 Grant for improving vaccine rates on HPV and flu. They are also billing for insurances now too. Approved. 

Grant Award Signature Resolution - Patty Jackson SIRPC (SE Indiana Regional Planning Commission)-  owner occupied rehab program and funded for full amount requested. Resolution and grant agreement needs to be signed. Baudendistel read the resolution into the record. CBDG grant- $350,000 for Dearborn County for HUD. Approved the resolution and agreement. No match from county- they have the 10% match covered.  

Tom Vickroy- Klausing Road Right of Way- with Denny Kraus, Sr and Jr on hand for back-up. Vickroy presented photos to show what he’s wanting. Owns 10 acres on Klausing. He maintains about 400 ft of road there to access his home. He wants access to 8 of his 10 acres. Klausing Rd does drift north slightly across his neighbor’s land. Kraus, Jr. added info. He said in the past when someone wants to use abandoned ROW for access the county grants this. This was done in the 90’s on Dog Ridge Road. The county doesn’t maintain  the ROW extension- the owner does. Kraus gave 3 or 4 other examples of this. Commissioners want Kraus to approach the neighbor- Brown- to see what his feelings are on the ROW versus and easement. Kraus also noted that documentation of the old ROW of the road has to be known no matter what we do. Browns have to be notified first. Get the Brown’s decision in writing. There would eventually be a hearing on this. No decision yet.  

Mark McCormack- Director of Planning and Zoning- Article 24 section 2406, 2408, and 2446 and Ordinance to amend those articles on Driveway Spacing- this was with unanimous favorable recommendation of the 9 members of the Plan Commission. McCormack read the changes to the commissioners. Site distance requirements were the primary issue in the changes. Safety is the primary concern. Public Comment was opened and closed with no one commenting. Commissioners approved the ordinance changes.   

Bill Ritzmann Reappointment - High Point Health Board of Trustees- Sue Hayden presented the letter from Ron Denney the chairman of the board to appoint him for another 4 years starting in June 2019. APPROVED.

2019 EMS Contracts for $20,000 per squad- Sue Hayden presented the $320,000 total contracts. The squads signed and presented their financials for the 8 contracts. Bright has 3 squads now as they are covering for St. Leon also. Approved. 

Utility Reimbursement Agreement with Tri-Townhip Water Corp- Sue Hayden presenting for Todd Listerman- relocating water lines for Stateline Rd S curve- $310,967.05. Highway pays 20% and feds pay 80%. Approved the utility reimbursement agreement. 

ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- we need an emergency declaration. Fire Marshall found violations in the sprinkler system of the YES Home and the test would have made worse problems. If the commissioners say this is an emergency, they can get 2 bids that can be utilized. Amy from Quality Fire Protection and Tamara Taylor presented for the YES Home Resolution prepared by Baudendistel declared this as an emergency for the YES Home. Commissioners approved the resolution. Two bidders are the minimum- Probst wants a 3rd bidder. Quality Fire Protection bid with galvanized pipe $130,700. Ryan Fire Protection is $170,000. Quality Fire has also done the recount gov’t work on jail etc. and were recommended by a local engineering firm. Liability concerns are great for the kids there. Approved the declaration and the Quality Fire Protection bid with Probst Nay as he wanted a 3rd bid. 

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims and March 5 Minutes approved (Rick Probst abstained as he was at road school on that.)

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- Wilkers update - there is $80,000 in escrow and performance bond is $150,000. Receiver is Hrezo Engineering. They have 30 days to get those in place. Hrezo Engineering monitors the escrow account. Any lapses will be reported to Bill Shelton and they will have a performance bond to call in to finish that. The bond is for the benefit for the receiver.

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- Little- road repairs and construction are beginning- so be aware. 

Probst- Several roads - like Salt Fork and Jamison are getting closed off for work. Temp opening on Salt Fork will have a gravel section. Guard rail will be installed. Sawdon Ridge- unofficial detour for SR 1 work. Sheriff will monitor speeding on that. 

Thatcher- always respect opinions for each of Beth commissioners even if they don’t agree.

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none

PUBLIC COMMENT- none

ADJOURN- 6 :27 PM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA March 19 DC Commissioners Meeting

AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

March 19 2019 

5:00 p.m. Henry Dearborn Room

Dearborn County Government Center

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

V. NEW BUSINESS

1. Joseph DeVito, District State Service Officer SE at Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs

2.  Health Department Grant Request – Mary Calhoun, Health Dept. Leader,

3.  Grant Award Signature / Resolution – Patty Jackson, SIRPC

4.  Tom Vickroy – Klausing Road Right-of-Way

5.  Director of Planning & Zoning, Mark McCormack

1.  Article 24, Sections 2406 ,2408 and 2446 of Zoning Ordinance

2.  Ordinance to Amend Article 24, Sections 2406, 2408 and 2446

6.  Bill Ritzmann Re-appointment for Highpoint Health Board of Trustees

7.  2019 EMS Contracts for $20,000 per Squad

8.  Utility Reimbursement Agreement w/Tri-Township Water Corp. – Sue Hayden Presenting for Todd Listerman

VI. ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden

VII. AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold

1.  Claims/Payroll/Minutes

VIII. ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel

IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

XI. PUBLIC COMMENT

XII. ADJOURN

Marijuana Legalization- One Toke Over the Line?

Marijuana Legalization:
One Toke Over the Line?

Reprinted from IPR with permission

by Leo Morris

I hate to admit it, being a member in good standing of the Vast Rightwing Conspiracy, but I tried marijuana in my younger days.

More than once. And I inhaled.

Furthermore, I enjoyed the experience. It left me in a dazed and happy stupor, free of the anxieties that gritty reality often sends to gnaw at our contentment. And without the unsavory side effects of alcohol numbing, especially the falling down part and the waking-up-sick-to-death part.

I grew out of it, as they say, for the usual reasons, I suppose. Flouting the law is a serious impediment to career-building. Rebellion is a young person’s conceit. And, to paraphrase Dean Wormer in Animal House, “Dazed, dumb and drooling is no way to go through life, son.”

Acknowledging this youthful lapse in judgment, I realize, will make it difficult for me to join in the conversation about drug policy. No matter which position I take, it will be called into question.

If I say that marijuana is far less dangerous than either alcohol or tobacco and that the country needs to rethink an anti-drug policy that has spent billions in failure, I will be dismissed as a raging libertine who just wants his wantonness endorsed.

If I say, on the other hand, that states should slow down in their mad rush to normalize weed because, 1) Developing research indicates it might be far more dangerous than we suppose, and 2) it’s insane to legalize something at the state level that’s still illegal at the federal level, I will be accused of rank hypocrisy.

One big hassle.

But I felt I had to come clean and follow the example of Gov. Eric Holcomb, who bravely revealed recently that he used marijuana while a student at Hanover College in southern Indiana. He’s not exactly what I would call a conservative, but he is a respectable Chamber of Commerce Republican who dutifully follows the business community’s directions. If he can own up to a misspent youth, how can I do less?

He says that, despite his history, he will not change his opposition to the legalization of either medical or recreational marijuana because he wants to stay in line with federal law, so it seems he is comfortable with the hypocrisy label.

(Former Gov. Mitch Daniels, by the way, has us both beat by miles on that score. While a student at Princeton in 1970 he was nabbed along with two roommates with enough marijuana to fill two shoeboxes, LSD and “quantities of prescription drugs.” He could have faced felony charges and a couple of years in prison but got off with a $350 fine. Then in 1989, he wrote an op-ed for the Washington Post in which he supported harsh penalties for even casual drug users, penalties that could destroy young lives for doing what he got only a slap on the wrist.)

I am reminded of a work colleague in my newspaper days who several years ago confessed that she felt guilty for punishing her daughters for exactly the same kind of shenanigans she pulled as a youngster. I told her she wasn’t being a hypocrite – her job had merely changed. As a child, her job was to test limits. As a parent, her job was to set them. I am sure she appreciated the encouragement. There’s nothing a parent likes better than advice from someone without children.

That brings up another way to look at youthful indiscretions. We shouldn’t just be forgiven for them on the grounds that everyone was once young and stupid. We should look on them as assets.

There is a school of thought holding that only people who have experienced (or can experience) something are allowed to have opinions about it. Only women’s opinions of abortion are valid. Only veterans are qualified to debate war. Only minorities have moral authority on civil rights questions.

Based on that, Gov. Holcomb and I are uniquely qualified to discuss drug policy, although we could probably use expert advice from Mitch Daniels. I also could get moral support from Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who is still in the young-and-stupid stage and is said to be fine with a president who smokes weed while in office and believes the main problem with marijuana legalization is that it overwhelmingly enriches white males.

I’ll start the discussion: Marijuana is nowhere near as dangerous as alcohol or tobacco, but we are rushing to legalize it before thinking it through clearly.

Hope that helps.
.
Leo Morris, columnist for The Indiana Policy Review, is winner of the Hoosier Press Association’s award for Best Editorial Writer. Morris, as opinion editor of the Fort Wayne News-Sentinel, was named a finalist in editorial writing by the Pulitzer Prize committee. Contact him at leoedits@yahoo.com.

AEP SITE CLEANUP RESPONSE DUE MARCH 15 FROM TANNERS CREEK DEVELOPMENT LLC

Update on Coal Ash and Aquifer Issues at the Old AEP site in Lawrenceburg

Per John Hale- Permit Manager at IDEM- Tanners Creek Development LLC asked for an extension to respond to IDEM’s  Dec 3 and 4th requests for additional information on how they were going to  comply with rules at the site. They did not get the information in last month and requested an extension until March 15th. IDEM granted that extension. 

In a recent informational talk from the Hoosier Environmental Council, Tim Maloney stated that the groundwater was already contaminated. In trying to understand what groundwater contamination means- I found  a 5 minute video from the US Geological Survey for anyone interested in how our water supply is in jeopardy.

It can be viewed at the link below. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNWAerr_xEE

Christine Brauer Mueller
Lawrenceburg Township

5 March 2019 Dearborn County Commissioners Meeting Notes

5 March 2019 DEARBORN COUNTY COMMISSIONERS MEETING NOTES

Present: Jim Thatcher, President, Art Little

 ABSENT:Rick Probst, who is at Road School

Also present: Connie Fromhold, Auditor, Andy Baudendistel, Attorney, and Sue Hayden, Administrator

TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE was read by Baudendistel as legally required.

OLD BUSINESS

Ordinance for recording fees for Dearborn County Projects- Baudendistel said Probst had found ordinance #37 that covers this so no new ordinance is required. 

NEW BUSINESS

Planning and Zoning-  Director Mark McCormack- Article 5 Section 520 Contents for application for a zoning map  amendment and ordinance to amend article 5 section 520- 8 members present gave it a favorable recommendation. McCormack read through all the changes for the public record. Most of this was to clarify or to get the items in line with State Code. They also list 9 items that are needed as a minimum for a zone change request. Commissioners opened public comment- no public comment. Commissioners approved the ordinance to amend article 5 section 520. 

Ratify Signature for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Assistance- Sue Hayden said this is a program that will help the slip for Salt Fork Road. the time frame was very short so Thatcher signed it. Commissioners ratified the signature.

ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden- Transfer of property to ISP- Indiana State Police. The County had bought several large 54 in Sony TVs for the judges who decided they didn’t want them. They’ve been laying around and ISP needed one. They decided to do a transfer and Baudendistel said that if the single item is less than $1000- no advertising is required. Resolution to transfer this TV was approved and signed. 

AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold  -Claims and Feb 19th Minutes approved. 

ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel- had a property damage release for a Health Dept tent that was 5 years old and was sent for cleaning from mold.It had been put away wet. $16,361.65 was the settlement offer- but it won’t be enough for a new tent. Approved for settlement and released Bockman Enterprises DBA Puro Clean from any further damages. Commissioners approved settlement. 

Vicious Dog determination Feb 26, 2019 from Nov and Feb occurrences. Owner of the dog is Destiny Haas who has filed an appeal and they have to hear it by March 24. Hearing is set for Tuesday March 19 at 4 before the commissioners regular meeting. Thatcher said they have visited the dog.

Wilkers Property update - Wilkers put forth Hrezo as receiver. But Hrezo doesn’t want to be personally responsible.  $150-200,000 is his estimate. Wilkers will have to put that sum of money in escrow plus a $150,000 performance bond. Hrezo has to submit his idea of the escrow account to the court by yesterday. Still waiting for court. County wants full $150,000 in escrow. If it gets to that point the county is looking at the blight elimination money to demolish the building. Judge could have the $150,000 bond plus $50,000 in escrow. Wilkers would be permitted to do electric work ONLY. 

COMMISSIONER COMMENTS- Art Little- last meeting Spring was coming- not this week. Check on the elderly and neighbors. 

Jim Thatcher - said he would check on Art.

LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION- none

PUBLIC COMMENT- none

ADJOURN- 9:38 AM

Christine Brauer Mueller

Lawrenceburg Township

AGENDA- Match 5 Commissioners Meeting

AGENDA

DEARBORN COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING

March 5, 2019 

9:00 a.m. Henry Dearborn Room

Dearborn County Government Center

165 Mary Street, Lawrenceburg, Indiana

I. CALL TO ORDER

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

III. TITLE VI STATEMENT FOR COMPLIANCE

IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

1.  Ordinance Pertaining to Recording Fees for Dearborn County Projects

V. NEW BUSINESS

1.  Planning and Zoning Director, Mark McCormack  

1.  Article 5, Section 520 – Contents of an Application for a Zoning Map Amendment

2.  Ordinance to Amend Article 5, Section 520 of Zoning Ordinance

2.  Ratify Signature for USDA Natural Resources Conservation Assistance

VI. ADMINISTRATOR – Sue Hayden

1.  Transfer of Property to ISP

VII. AUDITOR – Connie Fromhold

1.  Claims/Payroll/Minutes

VIII. ATTORNEY – Andy Baudendistel

IX. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS

X. LATE ARRIVAL INFORMATION

XI. PUBLIC COMMENT

XII. ADJOURN

TIF Seekers Are Getting Shameless

TIF Seekers Are Getting Shameless

by David Penticuff

reprinted with permission of IPR

Our "Haves" are again turning to our "Have Nots" for monetary help through tax increment financing.

Central Indiana Ethanol (CIE) is asking my city to expand its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district to include the former Omnisource property, which CIE purchased last year, in order to finance a project already underway at the site. CIE wants a $3.65-million TIF bond to help pay for its $25 million expansion on property that is outside of the city's boundaries.

We think the city or the county should reject this request.

State law says that redevelopment commissions are not to provide TIF for projects that could be completed without TIF. CIE has started the project without TIF. What is there now looks quite complete from the exterior, but CIE officials say it's only 20 to 25 percent done. Heather James, bond counsel for CIE, says, “My understanding is they would not be moving forward with the project without the expectation of the TIF.”

Well, we guess someone should tell the sheriff's department and schools to cancel some of the plans their organizations have made because executives at CIE, a private and apparently prosperous corporation, have decided it needs the tax dollars more. If CIE wouldn't do the project without TIF then it should have waited for TIF approval before construction. It is presumptuous to the extreme to start building and then seek financing for the construction work.

But here is the thing: CIE might well be right. Elected officials, on the city's side anyway, cave to economic development requests pretty much anytime. Why not start construction? Who is going to have the guts to say no?

Again, under Indiana statute, for almost every TIF you have to certify that the project would not happen but for the use of TIF. That is so the public doesn't pay for projects that can be done with private resources.

We think CIE is a well-run company. We don't think it makes sense that a well-run company would stop a $25 million project, already started, for lack of a $3.6-million TIF bond.

One more thing: The property where the project is being built is not in our city. Initially, CIE asked for the city to annex the land in order to expand the TIF but suspended their request.

CIE now is going to ask our county commissioners to "reassign jurisdiction" from the county to the city's redevelopment commission in order to clear the way for the TIF. It's a quicker process that gives the city the power to incorporate the property into an economic development area – without actually annexing the property into the city. CIE calls it "an easier, more elegant solution."

We hope commissioners will stop this madness and protect its jurisdiction, along with its tax base, by not going along with this company's plans for our money.

David Penticuff, an adjunct scholar of the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, is editor of the Marion Chronicle-Tribune, in which a version of this essay was published Feb. 27.


The Indiana Policy Review Foundation is a non-profit education foundation focused on state and municipal issues. It is free of outside control by any individual, organization or group. It exists solely to conduct and distribute research on Indiana issues. Opinions expressed in signed articles do not necessarily represent the views of the editors, the Indiana Policy Review Foundation, or its board of directors. Nothing in this journal, whether in print or pixels, is an attempt to aid or hinder the passage of any bill or influence the election of any candidate.





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