St. Joseph County Targets Microsoft Taxes for Infrastructure Development
St. Joseph County officials are planning to create a tax incremental financing district (TIF) that includes the Microsoft data center site in Granger, Indiana. The move aims to capture millions of dollars in property taxes from the $1 billion project to fund infrastructure development and support commercial growth in the area.
The county's economic development director, Bill Schalliol, presented the plan to the county council on Tuesday night. According to Schalliol, the TIF district would allow the county to redirect property tax revenue towards specific projects, such as a railroad overpass on Douglas Road. This infrastructure investment is expected to facilitate further commercial and industrial growth in the region.
Council President Bryan Tanner noted that rural property owners have been increasingly opposed to commercial development and rezonings, even at small scales. However, Schalliol assured him that the county's comprehensive plan identifies the area around Granger as suitable for commercial/industrial development. Many property owners are now willing to consider development due to the availability of utilities.
On August 25, the council will hold a public hearing and vote on establishing the new TIF district and issuing $4 million in bonds to fund initial projects. The proposed TIF area would expand the existing AM General TIF area and include the Microsoft site at Cleveland Road and Capital Avenue.