Joplin Tax Increment Financing Commission Meeting - April 30, 2026

The Joplin Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission met on April 30, 2026, to receive an annual financial update on existing TIF districts and to conduct a public hearing and vote on a proposed second amendment to the 1717 Marketplace TIF plan. The commission unanimously approved the amendment, which increases the project budget by $600,000 to cover actual costs for completing 15th Street improvements, enabling full reimbursement to the city and eventual termination of the TIF with surplus funds redistributed to taxing jurisdictions.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (December 12, 2024): The minutes of the previous TIF Commission meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve as presented was seconded and passed unanimously by voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered testimony during the public hearing on the proposed second amendment to the 1717 Marketplace TIF plan. The chair called for statements, but none were given.

Discussion Items

• Annual Financial Update on Existing TIF Districts: City Finance Director Leslie Hass reported on two active TIFs: 32nd Street Place (Menards/Movie Theater/Apartment area) and 1717 Marketplace. For 32nd Street Place, four of five project areas have been activated, costs certified, and reimbursements begun; projections indicate possible early payoff. For 1717 Marketplace, the focus was on the proposed second amendment. She explained that the original developer (WBB LLC) was unable to complete 15th Street improvements, so the city assumed responsibility in 2018. Actual construction costs exceeded the 2018 estimate by approximately $600,000 due to right-of-way acquisition, design, and partnering with MoDOT on the intersection at 15th and Rangeline. The amendment revises the budget to reflect these costs and updates the projected repayment timeline to 2026 (three years ahead of the statutory 23-year limit). Hass noted that TIF revenues have been collected faster than anticipated, so after full reimbursement, surplus funds will be redistributed to taxing jurisdictions (including the county, school district, and 911 services). Commissioner West asked for specifics on the surplus amount; Hass stated the final number cannot be determined until the TIF is closed, but because the project took longer, revenue has accumulated since early 2024. The commission discussed the positive outcome of early TIF payoff. Hass confirmed that upon termination, the commission will receive notification of amounts paid to each taxing jurisdiction.
• Public Hearing and Deliberation on Second Amendment: After the staff presentation, the chair opened the public hearing. No public comments were offered. The commission reviewed seven exhibits (including the original plan, ordinances, and staff report) that were entered into the record. Commissioner Landis asked about notification after close; Hass agreed to provide the information to the chair for distribution. The commission discussed the straightforward nature of the amendment.

Key Outcomes

• Resolution 2026-XX (Recommending Approval of Second Amendment): A motion to adopt the resolution as presented was made by Mr. West and seconded by Honorable Mike Landis. A roll call vote was conducted (initial confusion on response format, corrected with second roll call). The vote was unanimous: 11 yes votes (Alcorn, McGaffern, West, Seybert, Schoff, Edwards, Dickey, Crawford, Landis, Perry, Noblock). The resolution was adopted.
• Next Steps: The amendment will proceed to the Joplin City Council for final approval. Following reimbursement, city staff will bring an ordinance to terminate the TIF and redevelopment area, allowing surplus TIF revenues to be distributed to affected taxing jurisdictions. The commission will receive a notification of the distribution amounts.