Hartford City Redevelopment Commission Votes 5-0 to Keep All TIF Revenue for 2027

From the Hartford City Redevelopment Commission meeting on May 14, 2026

The Hartford City Redevelopment Commission voted unanimously to retain all TIF revenue for 2027, declining to pass through any excess assessed value to other taxing units.

Dana Watley made the motion, seconded by Mayor Dan Eckstein. All five members present — Ron Dudelston, Mayor Eckstein, Watley, Megan Miller, and Bob Kingery — voted yes. Member Chad Yens was absent, but is a non-voting member regardless.

The decision means the estimated $640,000 in 2026 TIF collections will stay with the commission for economic development projects rather than flowing back to Blackford County, Licking Township, the city, Blackford County Schools, Hartford City Public Library, and the Blackford County Solid Waste Management District.

Warren Brown recommended against pass-through, citing "a lot of things on the drawing board" and noting the commission is actively marketing the former Key Plastics building.

Source: Meeting transcript — Hartford City - Redevelopment Commission - May 13, 2026

Some information may be inaccurate due to video audio quality.