CCADC discusses SW Bypass agreement

By Travis Fischer, tkfischer@charlescitypress.com

The Charles City Area Development Corp. talked TIF Districts, crab apples and Pure Prairie Poultry during its regular meeting on Wednesday, June 25.

The board reviewed the new development agreement with the Floyd County Board of Supervisors, dealing with the decoupling of the county from the Southwest Bypass TIF District.

Unlike the other two tax increment financing districts in the city’s Urban Renewal Area, the Southwest Bypass district extends into county territory, resulting in a rare joint operation with the city through the SW Bypass TIF Committee, the last of its kind in the state. To simplify operations, the Board of Supervisors and City Council are in the process of dissolving the committee and the county’s participation with it.

The new development agreement hashes out how the separation will affect the CCADC, which is partially funded by the TIF district.

“I think it’s composed of what both sides are looking for,” said CCADC CEO Tim Fox.

In other business, the board discussed the issue of ditch cleanup along the east side of South Grand Avenue, specifically regarding whether to keep and maintain the crab apple trees that line the south grand ditch.

“I think it creates more of an entrance to the community instead of a big blank slate,” said Mayor Dean Andrews.

Agreeing that the trees should stay, the group discussed how to keep the rest of the ditch mowed and cleaned up along the avenue.

For upcoming events, the 2025 Charles City Area Development Corp. Business Plan Competition is coming up, with Fox encouraging area entrepreneurs with a business idea to develop to participate.

“Even if you don’t win, it’s still a very valuable exercise to go through,” said Fox.

Fox also announced that they’ve gotten a successful applicant for a Home Base Iowa loan, which offers financial help to veterans looking to purchase a home.

“He’s a good kid and we’re really happy to help,” said Fox.

Fox also addressed questions he’s received about the acquisition of Pure Prairie Poultry by the Community Bank of West Georgia, pointing out that he has no insights about what the bank’s intentions are or what it means for the facility.

“If anybody knows what’s going on or understands their actions, please make it clear to me because I don’t understand it,” said Fox.

Discussing the CCADC’s marketing plan for the year, Randy Heitz complimented it on how it promotes Charles City externally, but asked if more emphasis should be put on promoting the city’s amenities internally as well.

Finally, it was reported that Kading Properties has, with the help of the CCADC, completed its application for the Workforce Housing Tax Credits needed for the development for the upcoming Union Place housing project. A determination on the application will be made in August.

“Tim did a great job of putting together a community needs form,” said Mayor Andrews.

The next meeting of the CCADC will be held on Wednesday, July 23, and will begin with its annual meeting for the start of the new fiscal year.