Jasper Council Approves 4-3 Resolution Expanding Central TIF by 90 Acres

The Jasper Common Council voted 4–3 to approve a resolution advancing an amendment to the city’s Central Tax Increment Financing district that would add roughly 90 acres owned by Horne Development Group, a move supporters say will capture future increases in assessed value to fund infrastructure. Councilmembers Phil Mundy, Manley, Lorey and John Schroeder voted in favor; Eckerle, Lueken and Helming opposed the measure.

City records and meeting statements describe the parcel in slightly different ways: the Dubois County Free Press reported the allocation area lies north of Home Depot, while WFIE/14news described the same roughly 90-acre tract as east of Home Depot and Walmart on Newton Street. The parcel has been owned by Horne Development Group since 1998 and currently generates about $2,800 in annual property taxes.

The expansion would give the enlarged Central TIF access to the fund’s existing $1.7 million balance to pay for infrastructure tied to development on the site. City Attorney Renee Kabrick described the resolution as the third step in amending the central area TIF and said the expanded district aims to provide infrastructure development tools, primarily for the road construction identified in the city’s transportation plan as a priority project.

Council discussion began after an unnamed local developer requested city support for a road connection to Mill Street for whatever development occurs on the parcels. The resolution establishes a new allocation area within the Central TIF to capture future assessed-value increases from commercial or residential construction; if built, new development could significantly increase tax revenue beyond the parcel’s current $2,800-per-year yield.

Josh Gunselman, Jasper’s director of community development and planning, told reporters the two parcels “have been for sale since 1998 with very little to no actual development occurring.” Gunselman described the site’s prospects: “This would be a multiuse development, which could bring new retail and new restaurants into the area.” He also cited the comprehensive plan: “Additionally, they noted in the comprehensive plan the need for us to use incentives and promote shovel-ready sites in order to attract those types of businesses.” On timing he warned steady work remains: “There’s a multitude of meetings that have to occur, a lot of approvals that have to yet to occur. These first couple steps really just get us out the gate so that we can start master planning for this area and really understand what the potential is.”

One council speaker added a collaborative tone in public comment: “We want to collaborate. We want to be good stewards,” she said.

Reporting from local outlets differs on next steps. WFIE/14news reported the Jasper Redevelopment Commission unanimously approved the amendment and that the process would next move to the plan commission for a consistency check, then back to the common council, followed by a public hearing and final approval. The Dubois County Free Press report, by contrast, says the council vote sends the resolution back to the Jasper Redevelopment Commission for final action. City meeting minutes or RDC agendas will be needed to confirm which sequence applies and when the plan commission or public hearing will be scheduled.

If all approvals follow the path outlined by city staff, the expanded TIF would be positioned to fund the Mill Street connection and other transportation-plan priorities while future development proposals return to the Redevelopment Commission, the planning commission and the council for separate approvals.