They'll Believe Anything in Johnson

Developer Tracy Hoskins asked the Johnson City Council to approve a Tax Increment Finance District and issue bonds for his benefit, because area banks have tightened their grip on speculative high-risk financing for developers.

Developer Tracy Hoskins asked the Johnson City Council to approve a Tax Increment Finance District and issue bonds for his benefit, and asked them to believe that his 28 acres of prime commercial property near Joyce Boulevard and Wilkerson Street is a "blighted" area.

Developer Tracy Hoskins asked the Johnson City Council to approve a Tax Increment Finance District and issue bonds for his benefit, and told them that his project would produce $52 million in additional income to the various taxing entities over 25 years.

One of the above is true, but the Johnson City Council seems to be eager to give Developer Hoskins a government handout anyway. Only Alderman Melissa Tomlinson had the good sense to vote against the blatant grab of tax revenue for corporate welfare on first and second reading. She said the property was not blighted and that the city of Johnson shouldn't be in the job of creative financing for private developers. The final giveaway will come during third and final reading on January 8. They seem to have forgotten about their last TIF disaster and the orphan road that no one wants to finish.