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Letter: Yes, reform Illinois TIFS; here are some of the ways
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A recent editorial called for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reform. I could not agree more. Other states have stricter requirements that Illinois should emulate and adopt and therefore, better serve the taxpayers that provide the funds. In order to strengthen public input, the public hearing must provide specific plans for the property. A second hearing is then needed to approve the development deal, protecting the taxpayers' interest. Reporting requirements need to be structured in order to gauge effectiveness of the redevelopment plan. TIFs are all about job creation, and the number of jobs created should be viewed as one of several performance indicators. Failure of the developer to meet performance requirements should result in dissolution of the district. Annual reviews for over-lapping taxing bodies should be consistent in format from year to year in order to easily track success or failure. Developers should have to provide proof that they cannot obtain private financing. This requirement would demonstrate a true need for public funds and remove any doubt of the "But, for" test. Joint Review Boards should have defined rules as to quorums, meeting notifications, and responsibilities. The number of conditions needed to qualify as "blighted" should be increased to a majority. This will ensure that "blight" does actually exist, and that the TIF is warranted. Finally, the term limits should be drastically reduced. Asking school districts, overlapping taxing bodies and the taxpayers to be patient and make sacrifices for 23-35 years is too much. Anybody agree? Sandy O'Neill, Moline 
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Today is Friday, May 24, the 144th day of 2013. There are 221 days left in the year.
1863 -- 150 years ago: A military escort will be at the square at 9 a.m. tomorrow forthe funeral of Lieut. Joseph Eaton. The county judge is absent in Chicago, which willaccount for his not being in the procession.
1888 -- 125 years ago: Rock Island's City Council last night appropriated $95,000 forexpenses for the 1888 and 1889 fiscal year.
1913 -- 100 years ago: Mrs. F.W. Reimers last night was re-elected president of the RockIsland Musical Club at a meeting in the New Harper Hotel.
1938 -- 75 years ago: Seven members of Boy Scout Troop 21 got their Eagle badges lastnight. They were Ralph Hurt, Robert Nelson, Howard Schersten, Cecil Nelson, RobertFryxell, Clarence Stone and Rollin Hurt.
1963 -- 50 years ago: Mayor Morris Muhleman has resorted to a form letter in an effort toanswer objections to the wheel tax increase. "It was my hope that I could, in some way,restore the faith of the citizens in our city. In order to do this I knew I must face the factthat I would become very unpopular."All they are trying to do is protect the citizensproperty and build their town.
1988 -- 25 years ago: RICCA, the Rock Island County Council on Addictions, inconjunction with the Quad City Downs, will hold its annual "Night at the Races" June 2.The benefit "Night at the Races" will raise funds locally to assist in maintaining the twohalfway houses, New Hope Lodge (for women) and Beacon House (for men).
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