Joplin School Board Negotiating with the Tax Increment Financing District
By: Shayla Patrick
Updated: December 7, 2012
JOPLIN, MO.--- Joplin School Board members say they are roughly 80% through negotiating financial matters with the Tax Increment Financing District or "TIF." In their latest offer, the school district is asking for a 16 million dollar payment to help offset the loss of revenue they anticipate if the "TIF" District is created. They also asked for an additional $2,900 for each new student who moves into the "TIF" District. Board members are optimistic the two sides will reach an agreement within the next 24 to 48 hours.
"We need to fully address our issues and work with the city and the developer to resolve them. We haven't completed on both issues yet, but we need to complete," says Paul Barr, CFO Joplin Schools.
"By us coming together today once again, the board is aware of what's taking place and it just comes to the table of the next step and where we are at and all of those details, and for the public as well. We're here to protect our children of our school district and we're here to protect our taxpayers," states Randy Steele, Joplin Board of Education President.
In order for the "TIF" District to be approved, an agreement must be submitted to the city council by December 14th.
