Council hears first reading of TIF for Divinity Landing; staff says notice to schools required

Council offered Ordinance 53-2025, an emergency ordinance creating a tax-increment financing (TIF) district and municipal public improvement fund for the Divinity Landing development near Northwoods and the bowling alley. Director Arras said Divinity Landing is under construction and a TIF could capture funds that otherwise would go to the county for infrastructure improvements in the area. He also noted that notices must be sent to school districts even if the legislation is drafted to keep school funding whole.Why it matters: A TIF shifts incremental property-tax or service-payment proceeds to local infrastructure or developer-related improvements rather than immediately to jurisdictions such as school districts; the council discussed the statute-based procedures and notice requirements.The ordinance was introduced as an "emergency" ordinance, a drafting device council members discussed. Director Gudetti explained that emergency wording makes an ordinance immediately effective upon passage and not subject to referendum, a wording the mayor said is contemplated in the revised code and the city charter. Council did not take final action at this meeting; the ordinance received a first reading by title.