[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6030568,"mediaKeyId","5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008","parentId",5516742,"title","Township official warns proposed residential TIFs could reduce overlapping taxing-unit revenue","audioSeconds",778,"startMs",2812000,"endMs",3590000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008&start=2812&end=3590","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008/thumbnail_2812000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6030568/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Township-official-warns-proposed-residential-TIFs-could-reduce-overlapping-taxing-unit-revenue","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030568-1a51c33d70ded2b807264abbfe638c2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855416&Signature=O6jTFTqsjKZ7VMZ43EZXYtu-Nh2C7~i72BC1jMwdet~bdPnIq0Hv9jckEfbZuwCt1bn4U5CLIiaIA2gbHT4z2QAYhhRa3Y26LOyv3UT6crGVufvMZaUFUsxf6E5r2xw3-0fPNYnbjGy3xi8cJbZpzKEFWdl0Azt7uEbVoTFeW~BEFWcUMd4~JXJKSpByaIutmgbWWGGItwvr1noUxvLIae38l4rOgrbHiluvcvvn6po~EABPeYrrO9FEx6EU1lrYvsdO8TXzupq2hB9Annon6xj0L~iyQn4G5qPCNBhDanrFFTbau~oLO~n~BthLlLScKP~tRKroWW~k5D7HbPO8pg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Portage, IN","date","2025-04-01T00:00:00Z","article","A public commenter identified as the president of the Portage Township advisory board told the Portage City Common Council on April 1 that two proposed residential tax-increment finance (TIF) districts — for Bauer Farms and Sandy Trails — could “have an undeniable negative impact on the overlapping taxing units,” including the township’s budget for services such as assistance programs, parks, the Bonner Senior Community Center and cemetery maintenance.

The speaker said she attended the Redevelopment Commission’s March 20 meeting and was unable to comment there because the RDC does not allow public remonstration at its meetings. She asked the council to consider the legal standards for TIF, particularly the state requirement that a TIF be used where infrastructure financing is necessary to induce development that would not occur “but for” the TIF.

“Given that Bauer Farms currently has approximately 10 or 12 homes already built … where is the evidence to support that either of these developments would not have happened but for the establishment of the TIF district?” the speaker asked, adding concerns that promises of grant funding to make overlapping units whole were not backed by binding contracts guaranteeing continued payments over the potential 20-year life of a TIF.

Mayor Austin Bonta responded to the concerns, saying the residential-TIF proposals reflect a change in Indiana law from February 2023 and that the RDC and city are working with legal counsel and the school system on the process. He said the proposals will be reviewed in legal detail and will come to the council with required public hearings and formal approvals. Bonta offered to meet with township leaders and suggested staff would coordinate with the trustee’s office to address potential impacts.

The council did not take action on the TIFs at the April 1 meeting; the RDC proposals remain under study and will require future public hearings and council approval before any districts are established.

Key points raised by the township speaker:
- Concern about lost tax revenue to overlapping taxing units (township services, parks, senior center, cemetery).
- Doubt that the Bauer Farms and Sandy Trails projects satisfy the “but for” standard because parts of the development are already underway.
- Concern that verbal promises or grant programs are not binding guarantees over a 20-year TIF life.

Mayor Bonta said the city will continue legal review, meet with the township, and follow the statutory process for any TIF creation, which includes public hearings before the council.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","COP City Council Mtg 04-01-25","oneSentenceSummary","A Portage Township advisory-board official told the council that proposed residential tax-increment finance (TIF) districts for Bauer Farms and Sandy Trails could reduce revenue for overlapping taxing units and questioned whether the developments meet the state “but for” standard; the mayor described legal review and outreach to the township.","taxTitle","Portage City, Porter County, Indiana","taxId",53966,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6030574,"Council hears first reading of zoning change for Ladybug Laundromat at 2852 Willow Creek Road",358,1039000,1397000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008&start=1039&end=1397","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008/thumbnail_1039000.jpg","/articles/6030574/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Council-hears-first-reading-of-zoning-change-for-Ladybug-Laundromat-at-2852-Willow-Creek-Road","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030574-a804f016e7229fca66e4721d98711d8d/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855416&Signature=L2HloeujDqD~JN-tU27GQLZ8sAjGep6nDDREI9x2SuZeMZPm~0z3yjY~bzQNAGmTGZ3PaY2Nq3OOz-dypURexpPMAYEwBISj0i~CeWID30oWEP9Q-eHYNAnNm8fKinTr7SbqMeog-Mzm9N8gaRT58CNXWYCdGNyCvHpT1jbVABsRWvf~DSvXEqzbOIkROuOaxDFfOYC~Nlr~YoNw0bPdQ6tKqiPIIqcsPFpkh4sS7H4ZVOGCmWb9qbKvMbvQdJx~RWZIcYfAZdRIfm7rVLn903k8Dzi8qngvMO703SnF0XotE1meBtJ39uxbBXar7~s7VdUDmXlhSmsWHEaIhIABHg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Common Council on April 1 held the first reading of Ordinance 25-23, which would amend the zoning map to change the zoning of 2852 Willow Creek Road from OC (office-commercial) to C-1 (small/medium-scale commercial). The ordinance text includes a detailed legal description of the parcel (approximately 1.45 acres) and expressly excludes gas stations and car washes from permitted uses.

Councilwoman Victoria Vasquez read the ordinance in full as required for first reading. The mayor and council members noted a second reading and a public hearing are required before final adoption. The council explained the public hearing and second reading will be held at the next council meeting after required notices and mapping information are published.

Ordinance 25-23 includes standard severability and conflicting-ordinance clauses and will take effect after passage by the council and approval by the mayor.

Key details:
- Ordinance: 25-23, would change zoning for 2852 Willow Creek Road from OC to C-1.
- Parcel size listed in the ordinance: approximately 1.45 acres (legal description included in ordinance text).
- Permitted uses: ordinance text excludes gas stations and car washes.
- Procedure: ordinance requires two readings; second reading will be followed by a public hearing at the next council meeting.

No public hearing or final vote occurred at the April 1 meeting; the council noted mapping and GIS resources are available for residents seeking parcel location information.","Ordinance 25-23 received its first reading at the April 1 council meeting to rezone 2852 Willow Creek Road from office-commercial to C-1 small/medium scale commercial; the ordinance excludes gas stations and car washes and requires a second reading with public hearing.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6030578,"Portage council gives first reading to wastewater and stormwater rate ordinance; mayor cites $32 million in planned infrastructure work",136,1543000,1679000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008&start=1543&end=1679","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008/thumbnail_1543000.jpg","/articles/6030578/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Portage-council-gives-first-reading-to-wastewater-and-stormwater-rate-ordinance-mayor-cites-32-million-in-planned-infrastructure-work","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030578-5db71cb55769c88f742d15e0ace15f88/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855416&Signature=EZCeB3Ai2~IxkSNY6qvGLMk~iuMb1LV3Tmw8lRR477RhGlD96iEde8qugkxKO2o93vZNtVeygWZDNJZu4W5t~HldYLscr8TC7PjAUU~5NFaLnBrKZnJ8jsnhxCzH4kQs9R5dL6qiI0jy7WeONeyV7v5muuOOAG2gXDBz0W5g058LsxG9QlPUIb~n5mzRbYDRWH~sHclQV0lRSLxvA3tAWbqm9IGl1v~NRLsV2oQiiXLQT~ho3VoUC7-xUqCHo5vSQSsTJq16aGzpCLqAfhwiUVTOqhWFiixnztTNGBgeHAJZuoOF7XLc8UjRvCd-z7tT3zSnXhcLrwDhl~fvNYFJnA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Common Council gave first reading April 1 to Ordinance 25-24, which would amend capacity rates and charges for the city’s municipal wastewater utility and stormwater utility. The ordinance cites prior sanitary-board resolutions and sets the effective date for the amended rates after publication, noting an effective implementation date after May 6, 2025.

Mayor Austin Bonta and utility staff described the increases as part of a multi-year program of repairs and upgrades. “The city of Portage had both a blessing and a curse when it came to our sewer system,” Bonta said, explaining that large, simultaneous early investments in the city’s sewer network later created a need for significant, concurrent repairs. He said the city has projects including relining, lift-station replacement, a north-side interceptor, a UV upgrade and other treatment-plant work, and that the total bonding investment for the program is about $32,000,000.

Tracy (identified in meeting materials as utilities staff) told the council the wastewater plant has been bringing in about 5,000,000 gallons per day during recent rains, near its permitted maximum of 5.3 million. Tracy also reported the plant passed required bio-monitoring tests and that the city recently closed on an SRF (State Revolving Fund) loan for the north-side interceptor, lift station and UV project.

Mayor Bonta summarized the rate history the council reviewed: the sewer charge previously rose from roughly $36.50 to $53 per month; the mayor said the average sewer bill in Indiana is about $70 and characterized the increase as “significant” but necessary to avoid deferred maintenance. He told residents the city plans regular rate studies in the future to avoid large, infrequent increases.

The ordinance was presented on first reading; the clerk-treasurer’s office will publish required notices and the council will schedule a second reading and public hearing according to statute.

Key details:
- Ordinance: 25-24, amending municipal wastewater and stormwater capacity rates and charges (first reading).
- Effective date listed in the ordinance appendix: after 05/06/2025.
- Financing: SRF loan closed for north-side interceptor, lift station and UV work; mayor cited $32,000,000 in bond/financing for utility projects.
- Utility operations: plant handling approximately 5,000,000 gallons per day during recent rains; bio-monitoring tests passed.

The council did not take a final vote on the ordinance at the April 1 meeting; public hearings and required publications will precede final action.","Ordinance 25-24 received first reading April 1 to amend municipal wastewater and stormwater capacity rates, with an effective date in early May; mayor and utility staff described extensive sewer repairs, SRF financing and the need for rate adjustments.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6030584,"Portage council approves RDC loan MOUs, renews two CF1 tax abatements and tables fireworks ordinance",109,866000,975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008&start=866&end=975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5516742-fa5ef0e846517258a38e363b8b9e9008/thumbnail_866000.jpg","/articles/6030584/Portage-City/Porter-County/Indiana/Portage-council-approves-RDC-loan-MOUs-renews-two-CF1-tax-abatements-and-tables-fireworks-ordinance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6030584-e597e22b39d7ca5013028563afe89650/orig.mp4?Expires=1770855416&Signature=Ye4UXyO5BBamCqG8eumJbfCrxsNvlGlSDmc-IaBH79UNbCyjziuDb1W1PpTqNI6y~U5ZfYAgVOGaTs4eT~e9am18wJfxoeds-vhhPeGS4tcucgmASfMjS6yaBqUlNsVPPfH8y-SK5mTQGf~uIbjqjCwpTKEYK~gjLbFYWSr9~4PUoMSTfV3lCTLNr9ceLROoUhOeReaJlgdNd-UFGpnYI8PRfrfHnBT9Jrvz~9d0UrWiDNIp13Hn7uTqCCK9-OvQJ0p4gdqC4cdo9bhGKd0fSD-IfqGxRE0D7RysIiMnr59WTpgZliS5DF-y9vD1q1~rmZhbjMFPsKxEqtPzEkYDkg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Portage City Common Council on April 1 approved memoranda of understanding that formalize RDC (Redevelopment Commission) temporary loans for public safety equipment and for compressed natural gas sanitation trucks, renewed two annual CF1 tax abatements and voted to table Ordinance 25-22 on consumer use of fireworks.

The council approved an MOU documenting a $700,000 RDC temporary loan to pay for public-safety equipment and a second MOU documenting a $1,897,928 RDC temporary loan to purchase sanitation CNG trucks. Both measures were approved by voice vote after motions and seconds; no council member registered opposition. The council also voted to renew CF1 tax abatements for Gelnex (CF1) and Conrad Plastics (CF1), which were presented as routine annual renewals rather than new abatements.

Mayor Austin Bonta said the MOUs were prepared after attorney review to make the loan terms and responsibilities clear, and noted the paperwork “puts on paper for everyone to review and ask questions.” Attorney McClure confirmed the documents reflect the previously agreed terms.

On ordinance 25-22, consumer use of fireworks, the council granted the chief’s request to postpone final action. A council member moved to table the item; the motion carried by voice vote.

Votes at a glance:
- Motion to approve minutes from March 4, 2025 — approved by voice vote.
- CF1 tax abatement renewal for Gelnex (CF1) — motion approved by voice vote.
- CF1 tax abatement renewal for Conrad Plastics (CF1) — motion approved by voice vote.
- RDC temp-loan MOU (public-safety equipment), $700,000 — motion approved by voice vote.
- RDC temp-loan MOU (sanitation CNG trucks), $1,897,928 — motion approved by voice vote.
- Ordinance 25-22 (consumer use of fireworks) — motion to table approved by voice vote.

Council members present at roll call were Ferdinand Alvarez, Melissa Weinbach, Gina Geishurst, Bob Purnell, Victoria Vasquez, Penny Ambler and Collins Zillow. The motions carried by unanimous voice vote with no recorded dissents.

The RDC MOUs were described as paperwork to document previously approved loan terms; the mayor said they were prepared so both the RDC and the council “have this at the same time in the future.” The tax-abatement renewals were described as annual renewals rather than new abatements. The fireworks ordinance was continued to allow additional legal review and to consider resident concerns raised in ordinance-committee review.

The council will consider items that require second readings and public hearings — including several ordinances introduced at the meeting — at future meetings.

Details of recorded motions and outcomes are included in the meeting minutes and in the council’s official transaction records.","At its April 1 meeting the Portage City Common Council voted to approve two RDC temporary-loan memoranda of understanding for public safety and sanitation equipment, renewed annual CF1 tax abatements for two businesses and voted to table the consumer-fireworks ordinance for further legal review.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Township official warns proposed residential TIFs could reduce overlapping taxing-unit revenue

Council hears first reading of zoning change for Ladybug Laundromat at 2852 Willow Creek Road

Portage council gives first reading to wastewater and stormwater rate ordinance; mayor cites $32 million in planned infrastructure work

Portage council approves RDC loan MOUs, renews two CF1 tax abatements and tables fireworks ordinance