WARSAW — The Central TIF District in Warsaw is one step closer to its expansion after approval during last night’s Warsaw Common Council meeting.

Warsaw Mayor Joesph Thallemer took time at the beginning of the meeting to say a few words about the passing of Kosciouscko County Council President Bob Sanders. “He was quite a leader and we are certainly going to miss him.” A moment of silence and invocation were led in Sander’s memory.

City Planner Jeremy Skinner was present at the meeting to explain TIF districts and present the proposed expansion to the Central TIF District. Skinner used an analogy about fishing to explain TIF districts. Having a district is like fishing with bait. The district is the bait, incentivising businesses to build in the district.

“These are really important for cities who use them properly,” continued Skinner. “They really just incentivize the opportunities we already have.”

The current Central TIF district includes Buffalo, Canal, Indiana and Fort Wayne streets.  The proposed expansion includes areas to the north and south of the existing district. The northern portion will travel along SR 15 until Gilliam Drive. The southern portion includes the downtown area, Fribley Field area and the location of the closing Marsh store.

The council unanimously approved the resolution to expand the Central TIF District. The resolution now must be finalized by the Redevelopment Board before becoming official.

In other news:

• The council approved various tax abatements. Flexaust received four abatements and R & B Investors (Wildman Business Group) received three abatements.
• Resident Sherri Dalrymple was present again and asked the council to look at amending the yard waste ordinance. The council agreed to look it over.
• The outdoor seating guidelines have been paired down to one page. The guidelines are still being worked on and will be ready for approval soon.