Meade County is reviewing a $1.8 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) proposal to improve a mile of 220th Street near Summerset. Developer J.D. Hewitt introduced the plan to pave the unmaintained county road and install drainage systems to support ongoing growth at his AR Ranch Estates subdivision. Hewitt has sold over 50 lots and says traffic has increased to about 120 vehicles daily, prompting the need for upgrades.
County officials emphasized that the TIF won’t raise existing property taxes. Instead, future tax revenue generated by increased property values would repay the cost of roadwork. Residents at a recent planning meeting voiced concerns about potential tax hikes, which officials clarified wouldn’t result from the TIF itself.
Hewitt expects repayment within 10 years, though the financing plan allows up to 20. Some county leaders questioned whether Hewitt’s vision for an equine event center qualifies as economic development under state guidelines, which would spread school and county funding burdens across South Dakota.
The Meade County Commission tabled the plan on July 8 and is set to revisit it on August 26.
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