DCRC Tables Vote on Dillsboro TIF District

A meeting has been scheduled for December 17 to continue discussion on the matter.

(Dillsboro, Ind.) - The Dearborn County Redevelopment Commission (DCRC) gathered on Monday night to consider a new tax increment finance (TIF) area along U.S. 50 in Dillsboro (Clay Township). 

Spanning approximately 1,414 acres, the TIF area would be dedicated for additional economic development and job creation projects, while addressing blight issues in Lake Dilldear over the next 25 years. 

The 2009 Dearborn County Comprehensive Plan's Future Land Use Map identifies much of the TIF area for commercial and industrial mixed use and low-to-high-density residential. 

Projects within the TIF area would support ongoing economic and community development in the Clay Township and Dillsboro area, such as the SEI Communications expansion, new sewer line along U.S. 50, and Stellar Pathways enhancing local investments in placemaking and livability in Dillsboro. 

• Increment revenues will only be captured on industrial and commercial parcels within the allocation area
• Revenues in the new Clay Township TIF Fund could be used across the entire economic development area
• Would not change current land uses
• Development can only occur where property owners may be willing and as the Dearborn County Plan Commission permits
• No eminent domain (eminent domain is the power of the government to take private property for public use, as established by the 5th Amendment)

Oppositions worry about how the TIF will impact area farmland and residential areas. 

Local attorney Rhett Dennerline questioned "why the TIF area is so big" and proposed decreasing the size to limit the impact on farms and residents. 

Area resident Stephen Otte was among the local residents who spoke at Monday's meeting.  

"I have come to appreciate not only the economic importance of agriculture to this area, but also the fundamental truth that the greatest asset of Southeast Indiana is its rural character. People choose to live here and raise families here because of the region’s quiet way of life, its scenic farmland, its natural beauty, and its small, close-knit towns. These qualities are not incidental; they are central to the identity and long-term prosperity of Dearborn and counties. We recognize that growth is both necessary and desirable, and we strongly support responsible policies that strengthen our communities, expand economic opportunity, and revitalize our towns. However, growth must be guided by careful planning, sound fiscal judgment, and a commitment to preserving what makes this region unique."

The DCRC tabled a vote on the matter and has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, December 17. This meeting will start at 5:00 p.m. at the Dearborn County Government Center. 

Last night's meeting can be viewed at Dearborn County's Zoom Meeting - YouTube.