TIF back on city's mind

The TIF debate got going to some degree at the Arkansas City worksession Thursday, but another try at a TIF district is still a long way off.
At their meeting next Tuesday they will considering conditionally annexing a piece of property along Skyline Drive. That property could be used for development, and that includes the possibility of a TIF district. Ark City Industries owns the land and has agreed to the annexation. If there is no development in five years, the annexation would expire.
This is the same piece of property where a TIF district was proposed three years ago, and the site of a potential Lowes. The city turned down the setting up of the district at that time.
City Manager Steve Archer said passing this item next Tuesday would not create a TIF, but would clear the way if any kind of development were to come.
Mayor Jay warren said "this is about economic development."
Dotty Smith and Mell Kuhn questioned the TIF, but did not voice direct opposition.
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