TIF agreement with Baumler Implement fails

TIF agreement with

Baumler Implement fails

It is back to square one for the City of West Union and Baumler Implement after the development

agreement presented at Monday’s meeting was defeated, 2-1.

The TIF agreement in front of the City Councilmembers stated that payments from the

City to Baumler’s shall not exceed $208,710 and would be paid for 10 years. The semiannual

economic development tax-increment payments set out in the agreement would be an amount

equal to 90 percent of the incremental property tax revenues received by the City with respect

to the Baumler Implement property during the six months immediately preceding each payment

date.

Councilmember Cathy Bemiss questioned the length and amount of the contract but was

informed that the resolution would have to move through the TIF committee again before

coming before the council.

Following a lengthy discussion, Michael Lauer motioned for a vote, but the resolution

failed, 2-1, with Bemiss and Kennon Gumm voting nay. Councilman Roy Guenther was absent.

The council approved a resolution vacating the City-owned property located at 204 South

Vine Street and, in turn, conveying the property to Pam and Kevin Cline.

Jesse Wagner gave the City an update on fundraising efforts for the proposed new

Kaleidoscope Kids Childcare Center, stating that, to date, $466,000 has been raised.

That amount does not include the secured loan with USDA.

“We believe this project improves the community’s

life and the lives in the surrounding communities, as well,”

Wagner added.

Currently the KKCC committee is looking at outside

grant opportunities with John Deere and Walmart, as well as

the Iowa CAT grant. The organization is also waiting for the

April announcement on the Community Development Block

Grant.

In other business, the council:

• Passed resolutions approving all transfers necessary to

complete and balance the budget for fi scal years ending June

30, 2012, and June 30, 2013.

• Approved the appointment of Brent Parker to the Parks

and Recreation Board, replacing Kathy Wenthold.

• Approved a cigarette permit for Fiscal Year 2012-13

for Dollar General Store #7653.

• Approved a liquor license for Fayette County

Agricultural Society, Inc. with Class B native wine, Sunday

sales, and outdoor service privileges.

• Approved the budget and set the public hearing of the

proposed 2013-14 City of West Union Budget for Monday,

March 4.

The next regular meeting of the West Union City Council

is set for 6 p.m. Monday, March 4.