County officials’ appointees to the TIF Commission will be ... themselves.

The TIF Commission will meet April 22 at City Hall to review the city of St. Joseph’s proposed tax increment financing plan for Downtown. Presiding Buchanan County Commissioner Royal “R.T.” Turner and Prosecuting Attorney Dwight Scroggins will fill the county’s two slots on the commission.

In the past, the county had appointed community volunteers to the slots, but now they hold some regrets in not taking a more hands-on role.

“After the East Hills TIF, we felt like maybe we weren’t listened to as much as we should’ve, and rightfully so, because we weren’t on the commission,” Mr. Turner said.

He added the county wants to take more interest and should not be perceived as being opposed to incentives for Downtown.

“You can’t argue that (Downtown) isn’t blighted,” Mr. Turner said. “TIF may fit there better than anywhere else.”

Planning to begin

County officeholders on Monday will begin “strategic planning,” complete with a group facilitator.

Officials have criticized themselves and the traditional county practice of “crisis” budgeting — that is, only taking careful consideration of the budget during a crisis. Some also say the county should consider a long-term vision for staffing, budgeting, capital improvements and general priorities to avoid shoot-from-the-hip approaches.

A Missouri Extension employee will facilitate the first meeting, scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday in the Tom Mann Conference Room, on the second floor of the courthouse.

Two locals on Census committee

Mr. Turner and Brenda Shields, wife of State Sen. Charlie Shields, R-St. Joseph, have been appointed to serve on the Missouri Census Committee.

Mr. Turner said the state is taking the 2010 Census very seriously, with talk of Missouri possibly losing a congressional seat based on population.

“We all know what’s at stake — losing representation in the federal government, losing money to the community,” Mr. Turner said.

Joe Blumberg covers Buchanan County government and the courthouse. He can be reached at joeblumberg@npgco.com.