City of Atlanta moves forward with TIF Projects
Benefiting existing and new businesses

[October 09, 2020]  

A new blacktopped parking lot and outdoor digital sign were recently installed at Atlanta's Country Aire Restaurant. This project was paid for through a partnership between the Country Aire Restaurant and the City of Atlanta. Financial assistance from the City was provided from the City's "Tax Increment Financing" program, otherwise known as "TIF".

The new parking lot and digital sign are great improvements for the Country Aire Restaurant - designed to help this important member of the Atlanta business community.

In addition to the Country Aire project, Atlanta has two other TIF projects in the works. Atlanta's former laundromat building located downtown is being renovated so it can reopen and once again provide the community with a laundry everyone can use. The City has partnered with local resident, Jared Mattingly, on this project. Funds from Mattingly and from the TIF program are being used to clean out the building, repair the roof, upgrade equipment, and make it ready to once again provide laundry services in Atlanta.

A third TIF project involves the former Sherman's Curiosity Shop building located on 1st street. Josh and Ashley Collins, owners of Collins Roofing, are restoring this property. The couple plans to locate a new business in the rear of the building that will offer antique truck repair and restoration services. In the front of the building, Josh and Ashley are planning a yet-to-be determined new retail business. The first phase of the project includes installation of a new roof, repair to the rear of the building, and restoration of the building's awning.

Atlanta established a TIF District several years ago for the purpose of improving the town's local economy. When the District was first set up, the value of all properties inside it were assessed and the total amount of property tax generated by those properties determined. This amount was established as the base amount of property tax revenues for the TIF District. As property taxes increase each year due to improvements and other factors, all property tax revenue above the base amount is set aside annually into a TIF Fund administered by the City. The annual property tax revenue collected above the base amount is called "incremental revenue". By state law, incremental funds are to be used for economic development projects in a TIF District - such as the Country Aire Restaurant project, the Collin's project, and the laundromat project.

With the opening of the new Atlanta Truck Stop, even more TIF revenue will be generated that the City can use to partner with other businesses, organizations, and individuals on even additional economic development projects for the community.

The mission of the Logan County Economic Development Partnership is to cultivate a business environment that enhances Logan County by expanding our local and regional economy through programs that sustain and grow existing businesses, attract and establish new businesses, and increase quality employment opportunities.

For more information please contact:

Bill Thomas, Executive Director at:
[e-mail]
217-732-8739
or 217-648-5077