The Daviess County Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously to recommend that funds from the GPC tax-increment financing district be considered to help cover a projected county budget gap tied to changes in property-tax calculations under "SB 1." Nathan Gabbard, Redevelopment Commission member, said the special meeting was called so commissioners could "brainstorm some ideas" about how TIF expenditures that "have to be a direct or indirect benefit to GPC" might be applied to county services.

Gabbard said the commission and county staff identified services that could be eligible and "we feel that we have some funds available to offset that gap for the next 2 years." He said the shortfall driving the discussion is roughly "about a million dollars a year gap projected." Commissioners said the move is intended to buy time while the state finalizes SB 1 and to avoid imposing a new tax until the bill's effects are clear.

Commissioners discussed using the TIF dollars specifically to offset emergency medical services and ambulance costs among other county services. "Is there dollars in there that could offset that EMS cost, right, for, ambulance services?" a commission member asked during the discussion, noting that applying the TIF funds could prevent immediate tax increases on residents.

Several members voiced support for the approach as a temporary measure. One member said leveraging the remaining life of the GPC TIF was practical: "I think the fact that this is just just a 3 year life left on GPC, take advantage of it." The commission chair described the vote as an expression of willingness, not an automatic expenditure: the vote shows the commission is "willing to use those dollars for that purpose" and that any final allocation would be forwarded as a recommendation to the county council.

A motion to recommend using GPC TIF dollars for the stated purpose was moved by Nathan Gabbard and seconded by T. C. Cook. The chair called for the vote; members present voted in favor, and the motion "passes unanimously." Following the vote, commissioners thanked members of the public for respectful input, including a prior public comment by a Mr. Traylor.

Votes at a glance: Motion to recommend using GPC TIF funds to help offset the county budget gap and potential EMS costs — moved by Nathan Gabbard; seconded by T. C. Cook; outcome: approved unanimously by members present.

The commission said the recommended use is intended as a temporary bridge while the state Legislature completes work on SB 1 and the county determines whether further revenue actions will be necessary. The commission adjourned after completing its business.