I strongly disagree with the decision to contemplate the dissolution of the DDA. There exists no compelling financial gain to be realized by its dissolution. Instead we stand to lose significant revenues, which would otherwise stay in our township, to the county.

Yes voters on the motion to explore the dissolution have presented one half of the case. The DDA captures funds by its existence from the general fund. That much is true. The rest of the story is that the fact that the DDA exists allows 100% of that capture to stay within the township. Without a DDA 60% of the incremental rise in the tax base would immediately leave the township and go to the county and the community colleges. The other 40% would go to the general fund. With the existence of the DDA they have within their ability to provide funding back into the township by picking up costs normally associated with general fund items.

Examples: this year the DDA helped to pay for street lighting on Main Street, helped to pay legal fees, paid rental monies to the police department for meeting space and other items that essentially made having the DDA revenue neutral. Having a DDA does not cost the township money; it keeps your tax dollars at home where they belong.