By Jason Arndt
Correspondent
American Roller has cleared the final hurdle for an expansion of its operations, following approval March 24 of modifications to the village’s Tax Increment District 3 by the Joint Review Board.
The Review Board’s action follows approval given March 10 by the Union Grove Village Board for adoption of a $4.25 million expansion of the Tax Increment District.
The Joint Review Board consists of a member from the Union Grove Village Board, Union Grove elementary and high school districts, County of Racine, Gateway Technical College and a public citizen.
Joint Review Boards are formed for all members to examine how expansion of TID boundaries could benefit the community and each agency.
At Monday night’s Joint Review Board meeting, Union Grove High School Superintendent Alan Mollerskov inquired about any changes expected for taxes to the high school district.
Mollerskov said he asked his question to make sure that for the next 10 years this is in place, the school district will continue to receive the same amount of tax dollars currently being received.
“It will not negatively affect the school districts,” said Ehlers Vice President Dawn Gunderson, adding that a school district will have the same equalized return regardless of the outcome of the vote on American Roller’s expansion plans.
Mollerskov said he believes an expansion of American Roller can only improve opportunities for growth.
“If it helps promote jobs it’s well worth it,” said Mollerskov. American Roller has agreed to add 20 full-time jobs as part of its developer’s agreement with the Village of Union Grove.
While Union Grove High School is not included within the expanded TID district, the TID could indirectly help bring in future enrollment and economic growth.
“Any time that we can help produce job growth here in Union Grove, it probably helps all the school districts and brings more taxpayers into the community. It is a win-win,” said Mollerskov.
The newly approved expansion is the first modification of the district since its creation in January 2000 and will also include additional parcels for future development, as well as a new Dollar General store.
Dollar General’s addition to the TID 3 boundaries is projected to bring in $750,000 of the $4.25 million guaranteed in the project plan.
Bane Thomey, Chief Financial Officer of Gateway Technical College, explained Gateway is included as part of the Joint Review Board due to the close proximity of three of its campuses.
Gateway’s campuses include those in Burlington, Kenosha, Racine and Elkhorn.
“I think any time you have economic development, it benefits the area as well as the technical college,” said Thomey.
-
-
-
-
-