EDMOND - City council members are expected to vote Monday on taking another step in their fact-gathering mission to determine if a Tax Increment Financing district is right for Edmond.
The council has been presented paperwork to hire an attorney to assist the city in creating an increment or incentive district allowed under the Local Development Act. The concept is often referred to as a TIF district.

With a financing district, money from property or sales taxes is set aside to pay off bonds that are sold to finance infrastructure or other public improvements.

The financing doesn't touch tax money earned by the schools or the city, but focuses on future revenue.

Action on whether to hire an attorney for the plan is expected to be taken during the meeting that begins at 5:30 p.m. in council chambers at 20 S Littler.

Council members have said they want to explore the possibility of creating a financing district by hiring an attorney and forming a committee to review the concept.

Backers of a commercial development at Interstate 35 and Covell Road have individually talked to council members about possibly using TIF district money used on their project.

Developers want to build a hotel with a convention center and shopping mall with large department stores.

School board President Kathleen Duncan has already spoken out against the schools' tax money being used in the TIF district for fear it will have a negative financial impact on the schools.

The district is experiencing a population growth of an additional 600 students a year.

The council also will consider adding $120,000 to the fleet management fund because of high fuel costs.

More money is needed to keep city vehicles running through June 30, the end of the fiscal year.

Engineering for the widening of the next phase of Kelly Avenue, between Danforth and Coffee Creek roads, will be voted by the council.

The engineering cost is expected to be $328,910. A design plan is necessary for construction.

Edmond will pay 20 percent of estimated $8.3 million project. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation through the Association of Central Oklahoma Governments will pay 80 percent. The project is scheduled for 2010.

This project will make Kelly Avenue a four-lane divided roadway with left turn lanes at the side streets.

City officials plan to widen Kelly Avenue throughout the entire city.