WARSAW — Preliminary budget figures on the six tax increment finance districts within Warsaw were presented to the members of the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission Monday afternoon, June 6. No action was necessary, however action will be addressed at the July 5 meeting.

During the meeting Tim Meyer, commission president, referred to the financial report on those districts. This report has been shared with various other agencies receiving tax funds from those districts. Mayer stated the report is a summary of district plans in the future. “It’s a blueprint of what to expect/see the next three to five years,” he stated. “It is a good financial plan as well as a financial report plan for each district.”

Other business concerned approval of claims and adoption of Resolution 2016-06-01, support by the redevelopment commission in the Stellar Community process. There was discussion regarding Warsaw being a Stellar Community finalist.

Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallamer, who has made similar resolution requests of other government partner boards, was present for explanations. Tim Dombrosky, assistant city planner, was also present to assist with explanations.

It was explained at some point TIF funds would be used. Thallamer stated the amount would be announced that evening at the city council meeting. “We would be applying for competing funds … it is too early on in the process to have funds allocated by the council and redevelopment commission.”

Both men stated if the city is winner, it would not be eligible for funding or grants on those projects until the normal grant/funding cycles. “We have to wait for individual grant submission to apply,” said Dombrosky. He stated there are 10 programs in the proposal. “If we are designated, we’re pre-approved but we still have to apply,” he added.

Thallamer, answering commission member Jeff Grose’s question about setting aside funds for projects, stated there would be no winning or losing, just applying for the funds from the appropriate agencies. Funds set aside would be used as matching funds.

Thallamer further detailed the process noting things are currently in the feasibility engineering stage. “We’re getting down as far as we can without getting too deep.” It is estimated, if a winner, the city could access funds in 2017 through 2019. “We’re doing as much preliminary engineering as we can, so when it comes to actual engineering we’re ready to go.”

It was also stated as a Stellar Community projects that would be 10 to 15 years away from realization could be completed within five years.

Additional discussion focused on if TIF funds could be used for projects outside the specified districts. It was noted funds, such as those for the tech park, could be used for an incubator program in another area if it benefited the goals of the tech park.

During other business the commission approved the sending of a letter for no excess funds to various entities based on requirements by legislation. The letter informs other taxing units there are no excess funds available from the TIF districts and provides for transparency.

The claims approved for the month included the right of way acquisition of property from Martins Supermarket, totaling $10,750; drainage assessment payment to the treasurer of Kosciusko County in the amount of $31.25; NIPSCO, $155.56; investment fees to H.J. Umbaugh and Associates totaling $634.87; two payments to A&Z Engineering for the Husky Trail roundabout engineering with each payment in the amount of $3,337.50; Faegre Baker Daniels for professional services in the Buffalo Street development, totaling $994.50. Other claims included bond payments.