From the Indianapolis Star:
After three months of work, a City-County Council commission last week wrapped up its comprehensive study of the city's use of taxing districts that support economic development.
Those districts also divert some property- tax money from schools, libraries and other local government units, which has drawn criticism. But supporters say much of the massive development Downtown and elsewhere in recent decades wouldn't have been possible without the tool.
The Tax Increment Financing Study Commission -- spurred by the council's majority Democrats -- on Thursday adopted a final report containing a smattering of recommendations. They center on greater restraint, transparency and accountability in the use of TIF districts.
But many of those may not result in changes to local and state laws or city policies. That likelihood was underscored by the commission's 5-2 vote to adopt the four major categories of recommendations.
Dissenting were members Deron Kintner, executive director of the Indianapolis Bond Bank, and City Controller Jeff Spalding.
They provided a voice on the commission for Mayor Greg Ballard. The Republican mayor has protested that the commission's work was delaying consideration of important TIF-related council proposals that are needed for new Downtown developments to move forward.
...
The other commission members were council Democrats Steve Talley and Brian Mahern and Republican Jeff Cardwell; state Rep. Bill Crawford, D-Indianapolis; Marion County Auditor Billie Breaux, a Democrat; and Ed Mahern, from the Metropolitan Development Commission and former Democratic state legislator. Cardwell wasn't present for Thursday's vote.
Brian Mahern, who is Ed Mahern's nephew, is the councilman who had pushed for the commission.
"The fact remains that we can't do business as we've been doing it," he said following the vote. "We are struggling to fund local government, and attracting businesses is important -- we absolutely must do that. Retaining businesses is important -- we absolutely must do that. But our first job in local government is providing police," as well as sidewalks, streets and other essential services.
Some recommendations are directed to the Metropolitan Development Commission, some at the council and others at the General Assembly. It's likely the council will draft proposals in coming months geared at shifting the city's approach -- but it's possible some could hit a roadblock with Ballard's veto pen.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012207010335
