Funding Options: Candidates Answers Residents' Questions

Are you in favor of using TIF funds?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: During the past 14+ years, on behalf of the , I have sat on every TIF commission as a school district representative. Currently, there are state legislative discussions to reform TIF for the better. I believe in some cases TIF is necessary, such as The Shoppes at Cross Keys and the St. Louis Mills Mall. I believe each TIF applicant needs to be judged on its own merit. Do I believe all TIFs should be approved? No.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: As we fight our way out of this recession, we need to take a look at areas that we can cut taxes in order to save our citizens, especially those who are on fixed incomes such as our seniors, more of their money. I would be willing to take a look at all of these areas and examine the viability of making cuts.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: I am not a big fan of utilizing TIF funds to spur development. TIF funds rely upon future tax gains in order to finance current improvements. These are often used to coax a contractor into building in a “blighted or depressed area." I would rather see us focus on other ways of bringing new developments into the area, such as improving our image as a pro-business city, and not wasting taxpayer funds repaying long-term, TIF development bonds.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: I believe TIF financing has its benefits and detriments. I am not definitely for or against TIF financing. Depending on the project, TIF financing might be the best option for both the project as well as the city. The Shoppes at Cross Keys project is a good example of how TIF funds can be used to improve an area without a detrimental effect on the tax base or residents.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: I favor decisions based on whether or not the City of Florissant and its citizens will benefit, after public input. 

Do you think it is OK to use the Park Improvement Funds for budget items other than park improvements?

Mark Behlmann, Ward 3: As president of the Florissant Parks Foundation (FPF), our organization sponsored and encouraged the administration to ask the residents to approve this additional tax. Our intent and purpose of supporting this tax was to raise funding solely on all park improvements, including, specifically, Sunset Park, which was our focused project at the time. The FPF was never informed that collected tax dollars were to be used in other areas. Thus, part of the reasoning for my direct and recent involvement in city administration.

Joe Eagan, Ward 3: Park funds should be used within the parks.

Elizabeth O’Fallon, Ward 3: The parks improvement tax increase was presented to voters as a means of improving our local parks and facilities. We should not be using these funds for anything other than a strict interpretation of the term “parks improvement.” I do not support the use of these funds for salaries or benefits.

Steve Purgahn, Ward 6: No. Designated funds are just that, designated.

Pat Stinnett, Ward 6: I believe the Park Improvement Funds are intended to be used for parks and recreation functions.