Amber Green, president of the Delaware County Redevelopment Commission, told the Delaware County Council that recent project bids have been “coming in higher than engineer estimates,” and the commission has paused one Park 1 entrance project pending development that could justify the cost. She also announced a change to an interlocal TIF agreement with Daleville and introduced the commission’s new executive director, Gina Caravalha.

The update matters because the commission manages tax increment financing (TIF) and capital projects that affect local roads, trails and school safety upgrades. Green said the commission recently amended the Daleville interlocal so “the DCRC can retain 20% of that,” rather than Daleville taking all residual TIF receipts after bond obligations. That retained share will be used for countywide expenses, Green said.

Green told councilors that two recent bids — including the MIC Veil Extension (the trail extension from Red Dog to Garki) and the second entrance to Park 1 — came in “significantly higher than the engineer estimates.” The Park 1 second entrance is on hold pending additional development in that area and a fresh review of the TIF coverage. Green said the commission will hold a call next week to review the MIC Veil Extension bids.

Green also described adjustments to the commission’s housing-attraction program, Make My Move. She said the program, previously limited to out-of-state remote workers, now “can also add anyone that is looking for employment, and they do not have to be from out of state,” allowing recruitment from neighboring counties to support Ball State and IU Health employment markets.

Green listed recent investments the commission has made: new locks and doors at Cowen Schools, upgraded highway department equipment, and paving projects to eliminate remaining gravel roads in the county. She said the commission worked with the Muncie-Delaware County Economic Development Alliance to hire a new executive director; Gina Caravalha introduced herself to the council as a two-time Ball State graduate with state government experience in election administration and six years living in Muncie.

No formal action or vote by the council accompanied the update; Green asked councilors to raise any questions and offered to provide additional documentation on project funding and timetable if requested. The commission will review the bid results and continue coordinating on TIF administration and staff transitions.

The commission’s pause on Park 1’s second entrance and the retained 20% of Daleville TIF receipts are the most immediate changes identified in the briefing; Green said the retained funds are intended to cover countywide projects and expenses going forward.