Columbus City Council Meeting - October 6, 2026

The Columbus City Council met on October 6, 2026, at 11:00 AM (evening session) to consider several key items, including a $3 million TIF grant for the historic Crump Theater, the second reading and adoption of the 2027 budget, and approval of road improvement projects. The meeting began with an invocation, pledge of allegiance, and approval of previous minutes. The council suspended regular order to prioritize the Crump Theater item due to public interest.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Crump Theater TIF Grant: Greg King opposed the use of tax funds, citing a $21 million cost versus $12.5 million for Brown County Music Center, the 2014 failed attempt, and concerns about future financial requests and unpaid property taxes. Richard McCoy (Landmark Columbus Foundation and Crump board member) celebrated the opportunity. Tom Hill provided documents alleging historical TIF accounting issues and questioned the use of funds. Ike DeClue (Office of Downtown Development) supported the project, sharing personal experience of economic impact from past Crump events.
• 2027 Budget: No public comments.
• Road Improvement Projects: No public comments.

Discussion Items

• Crump Theater TIF Grant (Resolution No. 26-XX): Heather from the Redevelopment Commission presented a request to approve up to $3 million in central TIF funds for the Crump Theater (Project Encore). Conditions include approval by Common Council, evidence of Ready 2.0 and LEI grants, donor pledges, and favorable financial and historic theater consultant reviews. The project aims to transform the 135-year-old theater into a 900-seat performing arts center, with an estimated total cost of $20 million. Funding secured includes a $6.1 million Ready grant (largest in Indiana), a $1 million Heritage Fund pledge (largest in its history), and $5 million in private pledges. The project is scheduled to open fall 2028. Council members expressed strong support, noting the economic impact, downtown vibrancy, and public-private partnership. Councilmember Tom Dell acknowledged past failures but highlighted the current momentum. Questions addressed sustainability (including a $3 million endowment) and environmental remediation. AMS Planning and Research, an arts consultant, confirmed early interest from 25 local organizations.
• 2027 Budget Ordinance (Second Reading): Regina Back presented the budget for adoption. Council praised the collaborative process and financial management. Councilmember Elaine Hooper noted the need for earlier budget discussions and better communication of priorities. The budget was described as a good compromise after extensive work.
• Road Improvement Projects (Resolution No. 26-XX): Heather presented two projects: (1) County Road 300 West improvements (widening, storm sewer, water main) at a not-to-exceed cost of $1,798,004.40, triggered by recent annexation. (2) International Drive geometric improvements (realignment and widening for semi-truck traffic). Both are funded from the central TIF allocation area. Council discussed design standards and long-term maintenance, with Councilmember Tom Dell questioning curb-and-gutter approaches in industrial areas.

Key Outcomes

• Crump Theater TIF Grant: Approved unanimously (7-0) by roll call vote (Jerome Wood, Frank Miller, Ken Anderson, Jake Voice, Josh Burnett, Tom Dell, Chris Kessler). The resolution authorizes expenditure of up to $3 million in central TIF funds, subject to the conditions outlined.
• 2027 Budget Ordinance: Adopted unanimously (voice vote). The ordinance sets appropriations and tax rates for 2027.
• Road Improvement Projects: Resolution approved unanimously (voice vote). Authorizes $1,798,004.40 for County Road 300 West and International Drive improvements from central TIF.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 20, 2026. The November meeting will be moved to the first Wednesday due to elections.