7.1. EDSR 06-15-2020 �� Request for Action
Elk -
River
To Item Number
Economic Development Authori 7.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business June 15, 2020 Amanda Othoudt,Economic Development
Director
Item Description Reviewed by
Chamber of Commerce Business Survey: Concern Cal Portner, City Administrator
#11, #15 Reviewed by
Action Requested
• Receive information,provide feedback.
• Agree,by consensus,the action sufficiently meets or exceeds expectations to address
concerns/recommendations from the Chamber of Commerce Business Survey: Concern#11 and
#15.
Background/Discussion
Citing concerns regarding the business atmosphere experienced by developers with the city,the EDA
commissioned a survey through the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce to identify specific concerns.
Two follow up meetings were held with participants of the survey with Commissioners Westgaard,
Wagner and Blesener. The information gathered was shared with the city administrator who developed a
workplan to address the concerns.
Staff will review all the concerns outlined in the workplan organized by department prior to the EDA
regular meetings scheduled in May,June,July,with a wrap up in August.
At their May 18, 2020, meeting,the EDA reviewed concerns #2 and#9 and directed staff to continue
the discussion for concern #11 and #15 at a future EDA meeting.
Concern #11: EDA/HRA Loan processes are cumbersome. Can they be simplified and
expedited.?
The Joint Finance Committee and the EDA completed the review of all loan programs and policies in
April of 2017. The application process was simplified for applicants.
Since 2017, the EDA approved the new Energy Incentive Program,updated the Jobs Incentive Program,
and created a new COVID-19 Emergency Small Business Microloan program.
The Elk River Vision
A Y�elcoming community nvith revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional p D W E H E D D Y
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity ,g /` UR
The Authority should review the attached policies and provide direction to staff on policy changes within
each of the financial applications to ensure a smooth and efficient application process.
One item to keep in mind is that the use of public financing tools requires public purpose and data
transparency by state law. The differences between a private application process through a bank or credit
union and local government are purposeful requirements to protect the taxpayer and limit their risk.
To assist the Authority in reviewing the applications, staff has attached similar policies from various
municipalities. It should be noted that each municipality has tailored their policies to fit the needs and
objectives of their own communities. Essentially,what works for one community,may not work for an
adjacent community. Some municipalities may not have Revolving Loan Funds, support Tax Abatement
or TIF projects.
■ City of Big Lake does not have a Revolving Loan Fund program however, they offer Tax
Abatement and TIF as financing options.
■ City of Anoka offers a tax abatement but does not offer a Revolving Loan Fund program.
■ City of Fairmont offers TIF,Abatement and has a Revolving Loan Fund program.
■ Lake City offers TIF,Abatement and has a Revolving Loan Fund program.
■ City of St. Cloud offers TIF,Abatement and has a Revolving Loan Fund program.
■ City of St. Louis Park offers TIF and a Revolving Loan Fund program.
■ City of Hutchinson offers a TIF and Abatement program in addition to a microloan program.
■ City of Hastings offers TIF and Tax Abatement and a Revolving Loan Fund program.
■ City of Shakopee offers TIF and Abatement, and a Facade Improvement program,but not a
general Revolving Loan Fund program.
■ City of Burnsville offers TIF and Abatement,but not a general Revolving Loan Fund program.
Concern #15: Some perceived that the personal agenda ofa staffinember can influence the way
Cityprocess is interpreted.
The CoVrebensive Plan and EDA Strategic Plan updates will provide clarification of EDA/Council and
direction for interpretation.
City administrative processes are public information and subject to Council and Authority review and
amendment.
Concern #15: Shouldn't it be a collective effort, or common goal, for staff and entrepreneurs to
build and grow the business community in Elk River together?
Staff developed an online tool in 2019 to assist new businesses that are opening or expanding in Elk
River. The guide provides a step-by-step guide that best fit the potential business looking to open. The
page also features a link to the Economic Development's Business Toolbox,and guides for commonly
opened businesses. htWs://www.elkrivermn.gov/1602/01)ening-a-Business
Realtor Day—Staff held Realtor Day on February 26, 2020. Nearly 50 realtors,brokers and developers
attended this event. This was an opportunity for realtors,brokers, and developers to hear about new
projects, development opportunities, and initiatives of the city. This has become an annual event in
partnership with the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors.
Developer Forums—Staff scheduled a developer forum on March 26, 2020, to educate local developers
on the Main/Gates redevelopment project. The forum was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar types of developer forums have been held in the past educating the public on new development
opportunities.
Business Retention and Expansion (BR&E) visits conducted by staff from economic development,
planning, environmental and engineering,ISD #728, EDA Commissioners, Council Members,and
County Commissioners. It is at these meetings that we learn if a business is seeking to expand,which
gives us an opportunity to educate owners on the process.
Staff provides developers with an option to conduct a concept review with the City Council. This gives
developers an opportunity to present their project to the Council and request feedback and direction on
their project.
Staff shares trend information,peer city policies,programs and ideas with the authorities and council
from which the elected and appointed bodies develop their own goals,policies, and programs. In working
with developers and businesses, staff administers the policies and programs to meet the elected and
appointed official's goals. Staff does not have nor use their own set of goals to grow business.
Most recently,the EDA established the #TogetherElkRiver campaign,which is a partnership with the
EDA and the Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce. This marketing campaign was derived to assist
small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
■ Chamber of Commerce Business Matrix Workplan
■ City of Elk River EDA Financial Policies
■ Sample policies from various municipalities
Action Plan
Elk River Area Chamber of Commerce Focus Group Discussions
July 30 & 31, 2019
Concerns/Recommendations Type of Task/Actio L Staff Point of Expected Completion Date
am 6, Concern Contact (Date to CC or Commission)
If the city really wants to be known for supporting renewable energy, they Policy Review Comprehensive Plan Update Comp Plan update throughout the year.
should reconsider their incentive programs to support projects that are in line -Explore programs to support goals Zack Work session discussion July 20.
1 with the stated objectives in the Comprehensive plan: to be more energy -Explore ordinances that provide flexibility to meet
efficient, preserve resources, even if it means ordinance or design flexibility. goals
Current rebate programs are insufficient to achieve the objectives of the stated Policy Review ERMU, EDA and HRA Commission Reviews May 18
2 goals. -Discuss programs to achieve Comp Plan Goals Amanda/Troy
-Determine what is sufficient
Clearly outline what is being inspected for the entire project and limit the Communication Citizenserve Software Implementation Suzanne June 15 (Postponed)
inspection to that list. New items should not pop up with every inspection Formal letters of explanation Suzanne/Bob R. June 15 (Postponed)
3 Preconstruction meetings Suzanne/Bob R. June 15 (Postponed)
Develop inspection policy for each permit with Suzanne/Bob R. June 15 (Postponed)
explanation sheet for each permit to include relevant
code citation
Clear written instruction including citing relevant code for each infraction. The Communication Citizenserve Software Implementation Suzanne June 15 (Postponed)
5 remedy should be clearly defined so there is less re-work that needs to be done
Can there be an ombudsman or advisor type position to negotiate the maze of Budget/Position Council Budget discussion Suzanne/Zack/Amanda May 18 - First budget meeting discussing
city rules on the business owner's behalf? This person could develop Addition new positions requests.
relationships proactively with business owners and encourage a partnership
mentality between owners and city staff.
Use the velvet glove approach when delivering requirements for compliance. Customer Service -Customer Service Training Suzanne June 15 (Postponed)
Think of the business owners as customers. -Professional Standards Training
• The business customer often does not feel their risk is appreciated or understood.
Empathy does not mean bending the rules.
• It is generally understood that rules are rules;it's the attitude and approach of
7 those tasked with compliance/enforcement that makes the difference. FAQ guides Suzanne/Zack/Bob June 15 (Postponed)
• Can Compliance and Customer Service both be accomplished or balanced?
• Find a way to say"yes" and not always "no". Find a way to be more welcoming
in the process, even when the answer might be "no". Can staff help to find a way Authority/Council review/craft of ordinance and Zack/Amanda July 20
to say"yes"with suggested changes in design? policy purpose statements
There is a need for balance between desire for beautification and business use of Policy Council Review/Action on city ordinances Zack July 20
8 property (storage, signage etc.)
• Can there be a proactive approach to business development such as educating Education -Incorporate Pre-application meetings Suzanne/Zack June 15 - Process has started. No need to
builders, contractors, owners before a project is submitted? Planning and ED -Encourage Work Session Reviews discuss,provide as information in future
• Communications regarding process requirements for Building permits, Codes, update.
9 Loan programs and Ordinances needs to be timely,consistent, clear, transparent Review and update project checklists Zack July 20.
and communicated up front,before excessive money is spent. Meet with Minneapolis planners regarding their Amanda May 18
Business Navigator Office
Citizenserve Software? Suzanne June 15 (Postponed)
Website Update—Opening a business in ER Amanda/Zack May 18
• Communicating in person vs. sneaking around taking pictures or sending Communication -Public Information for CUP compliance process Zack July 20
threatening letters would be appreciated more. -Council/Authority work session discussion
10 • Several references to the `enforcement'verbiage on the city truck were used as an regarding legal compliance / notice requirements
example of a philosophy being tilted away from personable customer service. Re-brand nuisance code division Zack July 20 Community Enhancement
division unveiled.
11 EDA/HRA Loan processes are cumbersome. Can they be simplified and expedited? Policy EDA/HRA policy review Amanda May 18 &June 15
There is no substitution for product knowledge, some examples of staff not fully Training Remedial staff training Amanda/Zack Cal seek additional direction from Matt
12 knowledgeable of the code, ordinance,process or loan. Additional training can help. and Jennifer on specific topics to provide
direction on training needs.
How can the Planning and Zoning process be streamlined and given more authority to Policy Council policy discussion regarding: Zack July 20
reduce timelines? - Policy delegation
13 - Ordinance standards
- Uses and approval process
- Eliminate one of two public hearing requirements.
- Eliminate some permitting requirements
A review of the city fee schedule is needed both by comparison cities and philosophy. Policy Council Work Session Discussion on Fees Cal June 15 -July 20 if planning fees too
14 (i.e. bldg. permit, sac/wac,utility deposits) Fee Comparison Study Suzanne June 15 -July 20 if planning fees too
• Some perceived that the personal agenda of a staff member can influence the way Communication Public education on city process/rules Cal May 18 &June 15
City process is interpreted. Education
15 Perception Council/Authority work session on processes Amanda/Cal/Zack Ma 18 & une 15
• Shouldn't it be a collective effort, or common goal, for staff and entrepreneurs to P / ty pY J
build and grow the business community in Elk River together?
Follow-up on August 17 with an overview of the feedback received, actions taken, and next steps.
Tax Abatement Policy
Revision Dates
September 28, 2005
February 25, 2015
March 8, 2017
February 28, 2018
I. General Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Big Lake’s (“the City”) position as it
relates to the use of Property Tax Abatements (“Abatements”) for private development.
This type of abatement is allowed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.1812
through 469.1815, as amended (the “Abatement Law”). It is the City’s intent to
coordinate the use of Tax Abatement with other local jurisdictions to the extent that it is
possible to do so.
Tax Abatement shall be defined as the City’s share of the property taxes derived from
the increase in market value over the current year market value of property within the
project area resulting from development. For purposes of this definition, current year is
the year in which an application for request for assistance is received.
The City of Big Lake recognizes the importance of this development tool which may be
used by the City to satisfy its economic development goals and objectives. These
general goals include the following:
A. Broaden and diversify the tax base;
B. Create and or retain an employment base;
C. Strengthen and enhance the commercial-industrial areas of the community;
D. Promote a high quality of construction or site design.
This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications
requesting tax abatement assistance. The fundamental purpose of Tax Abatement in
the City of Big Lake is to encourage desirable development or redevelopment that
would not otherwise occur but for the assistance provided through Tax Abatement.
II. Types of Projects and Uses Eligible for Assistance
In order to meet the stated goals and objectives of the City, Abatements will be used to
assist private developments in those instances where the proposed project
demonstrates one or more of the following objectives or conditions:
Big Lake Tax Abatement Policy
Last Amended ‒ 2/28/2018
Page 2 of 5
Public Financing is needed to…
1. Retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of jobs that offer stable
employment and/or attractive wages and benefits.
2. Enhance and diversify the City’s economic base.
3. Encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either directly
or indirectly through “spin-off’ development.
4. Offset increased costs of redevelopment (i.e. contaminated site clean-up) over and
above costs normally incurred in development.
5. Contribute to the implementation of other public policies as adopted by the City
from time-to-time, such as the promotion of quality urban or architectural design
energy conservation and decreasing capital and/or operating costs of local
government.
6. Promote a high quality of construction and/or site design.
7. Aid in the development or implementation of an environmentally sound practice,
production or product.
8. Improve the condition of existing commercial or industrial buildings, including but
not limited to, accessibility requirements, exterior façade improvements and energy
upgrades.
9. Complete specific enhancements, including but not limited to signage, landscaping
and lighting (within private property or adjacent to public property).
10. Fill a defined financing gap that is associated with a pedestrian public improvement
project in commercial areas, including but not limited to, access control, pedestrian
systems and parking improvements.
11. Facilitate the development process and achieve development of sites that would
not be developed without Tax Abatement assistance (general “but for” test).
12. Finance or provide public infrastructure pursuant to the Abatement Law.
III. Eligible Expenditures
Abatements may be used to pay for expenditures related to eligible project costs.
Eligible expenditures may include land acquisition and conveyance, building
Big Lake Tax Abatement Policy
Last Amended ‒ 2/28/2018
Page 3 of 5
improvements, site improvements and public streets/utilities. Ineligible expenditures are
non-fixed assets including equipment and working capital.
IV. Financing Structure
The City will structure Abatements as a direct annual or semi-annual payment
(corresponding to the City’s portion of the property taxes only) to the property owner
based on the terms and conditions stated in an agreement between the City and the
property owner. The property owner is subject to changes in the taxes that may result
in payments lower than the original estimated amount.
V. Specific Policies for the Use of Tax Abatement
1. Tax Abatement will be provided to the developer upon receipt of taxes as a pay-as-
you-go method. All taxes on the subject parcel need to be paid to date before a
rebate payment will be made. Requests for up-front financing (bonds) will be
considered on a case-by-case basis.
2. Developer shall be able to demonstrate a need for a proposed project.
3. Tax Abatement shall not be used for projects or businesses that would place
extraordinary demands on city services considering the benefit to the City.
4. The developer must enter into an abatement agreement to ensure compliance with
the City policies and requirements.
5. The developer shall demonstrate his or her ability (via past experience, credit
history and corporate or personal financial statements) to complete the project in
an adequate and timely manner, and also at the option of the City, shall provide
financial guarantees to ensure completion of the project that include but are not
limited to: assessment agreements, letters of credit and personal guarantees.
6. The developer/business shall provide information necessary for the City to make a
determination on the project.
7. The City will view projects having a county/school district tax abatement
commitment more favorably.
8. The project supports and furthers the City’s Comprehensive Plan and/or other
public policies, as adopted by the City.
9. Tax Abatement may be used to phase in a property tax increase on a parcel that
will increase in estimated market value of 50 percent or greater when the increase
is not attributable to an abatement project.
Big Lake Tax Abatement Policy
Last Amended ‒ 2/28/2018
Page 4 of 5
10. The business subsidy funding for any project shall be the lowest amount feasible
for the shortest period of time. Business/developers shall exhaust all possible
forms of non-business subsidy funding, i.e. private debt and equity financing prior
to using business subsidy finding.
11. Any receipt of Tax Abatement assistance will be required to provide an equity
investment in the project.
12. Tax Abatement will not be used in circumstances where land and or property price
is in excess of fair market value.
13. Tax Abatement will not be utilized in cases where it would create an unfair
competitive financial advantage over other projects or businesses in the area.
14. No abatement of taxes will be granted on property in a TIF District.
15. The project shall comply with all provisions set forth in the state Abatement Law.
16. Abatement can only be granted, if it benefits the City to a level equal to or greater
than the abatement cost to the City.
17. In any year, the total amount of property taxes abated by the City may not exceed
ten percent (10%) of the net tax capacity of the City or $200,000, whichever is
greater. This is consistent with the Abatement Law.
18. No tax abatement period shall exceed 15 years from the date of approval by the
City Council unless the county or school district has declined to participate in the
abatement. In this event, the City may approve an abatement period that is up to
20 years in length.
19. The City Council may change and modify the application of these specific policies
as it deems necessary and appropriate.
VI. Decision Guidelines or Project Requirements
The following guidelines will be used by the City in order to determine whether a
financing proposal is warranted which will become the basis for findings in the resolution
of Abatement approval.
A. The proposed project does not fit well within the City’s and the Economic
Development Authority’s Tax Abatement Policy or is subject to other state statute
restrictions.
B. The proposed project addresses an identified need within the community, including
but not limited to, improved maintenance or expansion of public utilities, reuse of
underutilized property, or development of property with site constraints, installation
Big Lake Tax Abatement Policy
Last Amended ‒ 2/28/2018
Page 5 of 5
of design enhancements, compliance with safety or accessibility codes, and
financing within a targeted improvement area.
C. The proposed project cannot be completed without public financing due to
identified costs that are greater than normal or due to an identifiable financing gap.
D. The proposed project can be assisted with a private-to-public leverage, which
results in minimal impact to the statutory limit for the City’s use of Abatements. In
addition, the amount of Abatement should not exceed the level of private equity
from the project owner(s).
E. The project is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Plan and
Zoning Ordinances.
F. The project meets one or more of the following public purposes:
• Creation of new jobs
• Increase in the tax base
• Enhancement or diversification of the City’s economic base
• Development or redevelopment that will spur additional private sector
investment in the area
• Fulfillment of defined City objectives such as those identified in the City’s
Comprehensive Plan
• Removal of slum and blight or the redevelopment of a high profile site.
VII. Procedure for Application:
A. A completed application with the application fee in accordance with the current City
of Big Lake Fee Schedule shall be submitted to the City. The application will be
reviewed by the City staff and the Economic Development Authority.
B. After review and recommendation for approval by the Economic Development
Authority (the review body for the City), the City Council shall publish a notice and
hold a public hearing on the proposed Abatement.
C. The City Council holds a public hearing concerning the Abatement. It must
approve the Abatement by resolution.
D. If the City approves the Abatement by resolution, its staff and/or consultants will
draft a development contract.
A. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name of Corporation/ Partnership
Address
Primary Contact
Address
Phone Fax Email
On a separate sheet of paper, please provide the following:
1
2 Brief description of the proposed project (Attach as Exhibit B)
3
4
Attorney Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
Accountant Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
Contractor Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
APPLICATION FOR TAX ABATEMENT
Approved by BLEDA - July 8, 2013
Brief description of the corporation/partnership's business, including history, principal
product or service, etc.. (Attach as Exhibit A)
List names of officers and shareholders/partners with more than five percent (5%) interest
in the corporation/ partnership (Attach as Exhibit C)
An analysis and narrative that explain why this project would not locate/expand in Sherburne
County "but for" the use of tax abatement financing (Attach as Exhibit D)
Abatement Application
Page 1 of 5
Engineer Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
Architect Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
B. PROJECT INFORMATION
1 The project will be:
___Industrial ___New construction ____ Expansion
___Redevelopment/ Rehab ___ Commercial Redevelopment/ Rehabilitation
___ Commercial Redevelopment/ Rehabilitation
2 In addition to the City of Big Lake, applicant is requesting Tax Abatement from:
____ Sherburne County ___ School District 727
3 The project will be:___ Owner Occupied ___ Leased Space
4 Project Address
Parcel Identification Number(s)
5 Site Plan and Construction Plans Attached:___ Yes ___ No
6 Total Amount of Tax Abatement Requested:$ over years
City Portion Annual $Total $
County Portion Annual $Total $
ISD 727 Portion Annual $Total $
7 Current Real Estate Taxes on Project Site:$
Estimated Real Estate Taxes up Completion:Phase I $
Phase II $
8 Construction Date:
Construction Completion Date:
If Phased Project:Year % Completed
Year % Completed
Abatement Application
Page 2 of 5
C. PUBLIC PURPOSE
Job Creation / Retention Number of existing jobs
Number of jobs created by project
Average hourly wage of jobs created/retained
New industrial development which will result in additional private investment in area
Enhancement and/or diversification of the City of Big Lake's economic base
Removal of blight
Rehabilitation of a high profile or priority site
Significantly increase the City's tax base
D. SOURCES AND USES
SOURCES NAME AMOUNT
Bank Loan $
Other Private Funds $
Owner Cash Equity $
Fed Grant/Loan $
State Grant/Loan $
EDA Micro Loan $
Tax Abatement $
ID Bonds $
TOTAL $
USES
Land Acquisition AMOUNT
Site Development $
Construction $
Machinery & Equipment $
Architectural & Engineering Fees $
Legal Fees $
Interest During Construction $
Debt Service Reserve $
Contingencies $
TOTAL $
It is the policy of the City of Big Lake that the use of Tax Abatement should result in a benefit to the
public. Please indicate how this project will serve a public purpose.
Abatement Application
Page 3 of 5
E. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CHECKLIST
_____ A.
_____ B.Financial Statements for Past Two Years
Profit & Loss Statement to Date
Balance Sheet to Date
_____ C.Current Financial Statements
Profit & Loss Statement to Date
Balance Sheet to Date
_____ D.Two Year Financial Projections
_____ E.Personal Financial Statements of all Major Shareholders
Profit & Loss Statement to Date
Balance Sheet to Date
_____ F.Letter of Commitment from Applicant Pledging to Complete
During the Proposed Project Duration
_____ G.Letter of Commitment from the Other Sources of Financing
Stating Terms and Conditions of their Participation in the Project
_____ H.Application fee of $500
_____ I.Escrow deposit of $5,000 for Abatement related administrative expenses
_____ J.Construction Plans and Itemized Project Construction Statement
_____ K.Attach the following documentations as Exhibits
___Exhibit A - Corporation / Partnership Description
___Exhibit B - Description of Project
___Exhibit C- List of Shareholders / Partners
___Exhibit D - But-For Analysis
___Exhibit E - List of Prospective Lessees
___Exhibit F - Legal Description and PID Number(s)
Written business plan, including a description of the business, ownership/management, date
established, products and services, and future plans
Abatement Application
Page 4 of 5
Applicant Name Date
Note: All Major shareholders will be required to sign personal guarantees and a
minimum assessment agreement if up front financing of the project is required.
The undersigned certifies that all information provided in this application is true and
correct to the best of the undersigned's knowledge. The undersigned authorizes the
City of Big Lake to check credit references, verify financial and other information,
and share this information with other political subdivisions are needed. The
undersigned also agrees to provide any additional information as may be requested
by the City after the filing of this application.
Abatement Application
Page 5 of 5
Application for
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Assistance
2
APPLICATION FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) ASSISTANCE
PROJECT
1. Business Information
Business Name: ________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
Contact Person: ________________________________________
Telephone Number: ________________________________________
Email Address: ________________________________________
2. Brief description of the business:
3. Proposed project:
− Business type(s) and/or use(s): ______________________________
________________________________________________________
− Prospective tenants: _______________________________________
________________________________________________________
− Building(s) square footage: _________________________________
________________________________________________________
− Building height and materials: _______________________________
________________________________________________________
4. Location of project: _______________________________________
3
5. Size of project area: _______________________________________
6. Present ownership of the site: ________________________________
________________________________
7. Current control of the site: ________________________________
________________________________
8. Total Estimated Market Value
of project upon completion: $__________________________
9. Estimated real estate taxes
of project upon completion: $__________________________ (Please show calculations)
10. Project construction schedule:
a. Estimated construction start date: _____________________
b. Estimated construction completion date: _____________________
c. If phased project: _____ year ______ % completed
_____ year ______ % completed
d. Will all the development costs to be reimbursed with TIF assistance
be expended within 5 years of the project’s commencement?
_____ Yes
_____ No (If no, please explain)
11. Expected general traffic impacts (on and off street parking, projected auto/truck
counts, traffic flow, peak traffic periods, etc.):
4
12. Name & address of:
− Architect: ________________________________________
________________________________________
− Engineer: ________________________________________
________________________________________
− General Contractor: ________________________________________
________________________________________
13. Total Estimated Project Costs:
a. Land Acquisition $_______________
b. Soil Correction/Remediation $_______________
c. Demolition $_______________
d. Site Grading and Excavation $_______________
e. Utilities $_______________
f. Road Improvements $_______________
g. Curb, gutter, parking lot, sidewalks $_______________
h. Building Construction $_______________
i. Parking Ramp (if applicable) $_______________
j. Landscaping $_______________
k. Equipment $_______________
l. Architectural & Engineering Fees $_______________
m. Legal Fees $_______________
n. Financing Costs $_______________
o. Broker Costs $_______________
p. Developer Fee $_______________
q. Contingencies $_______________
r. Other (please specify) $_______________
TOTAL $_______________
5
14. Sources of Financing:
a. Equity $_______________
b. Loan Source(s) $_______________
c. TIF Assistance $_______________
d. Other Sources (explain) $_______________
15. Describe amount and purpose for which TIF assistance is required:
16. Please submit an itemized list of project costs for which TIF assistance
is being requested (see attached list of TIF eligible costs):
17. Please submit project proformas indicating need for TIF assistance
(i.e., with TIF assistance and without):
18. Specific reasons why, “but for” the use of TIF assistance, this project
would not be possible:
19. What other alternative financing sources have been sought and why are
they not feasible?
6
20. What is the existing Comprehensive Guide Plan Land Use designation
and zoning of the property? (Include a statement as to how the proposed
development will conform to the current land use designation and how the property will
be zoned or rationale as to why changes may be necessary.):
21. Please indicate how the project would meet one or more of the following
City of Big Lake Development Goals:
− Retention and/or creation of jobs that pay wages adequate to support
households:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
− Tax base expansion:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
− Blight elimination:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
− Remediation of contaminated property:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
− Other economic benefits:
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
7
22. Background on the developer’s company, principals, and history (Please
list previous related projects and locations as well as experience of this particular
development team working together.):
23. Has developer, developer’s company, partner, or related affiliate ever
filed bankruptcy?
_____ No
_____ Yes (If yes, please explain)
24. Municipal Reference. (Please name any other municipalities wherein the applicant,
or other corporations with which the applicant has been involved, has completed similar
developments within the last five years.)
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
8
DEVELOPMENT COSTS
ELIGIBLE FOR TIF ASSISTANCE
Application Deposit
Architectural and Engineering fees (directly attributable to site work)
Curb and Gutter
Earthwork/Excavation
Environmental Studies and Permits
Land Acquisition
Landscaping
Landscape Design
Legal Costs associated with Acquisition
Legal Costs associated with Financing/Closing Attributable to Site
Parking Lot Paving and Parking Lot Lights
Sidewalks
Site Related Permits
Soil Correction
Soil Tests
Special Assessments
Streets and Roads
Surveys
Utilities Design
Utilities – Sanitary Sewer, Storm Sewer and Water
I. POLICY PURPOSE
For the purposes of this document the term "City” shall include the Anoka City Council, Economic
Development Commission, and Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Anoka's position relating to the use
of Tax Rebate Financing (T'RF), otherwise referred to as Tax Abatement, for private
development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth by State
Law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications
requesting tax rebate assistance. The fundamental purpose of tax rebate financing in
Anoka is to encourage desirable development or redevelopment that would not
otherwise occur but for the assistance provided through TRF.
The City of Anoka is granted the power to utilize TRF by the Minnesota Tax Abatement Act,
as amended. It is the intent of the City to provide the minimum amount of TRF, as well as
other incentives, at the shortest term required for the project to proceed. The City reserves
the right to approve or reject projects on a case by case basis, taking into consideration
established policies, project criteria, and demand on city services in relation to the potential
benefits from the project. Meeting policy criteria does not guarantee the award of TRF to the
project. Approval or denial of one project is not intended to set precedent for approval or
denial of another project.
II. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRF & TIF
The primary difference between Tax Rebate Financing JR) and Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) is the way in which the dollars are awarded to the project. When TIF is awarded to a
project by the city, the other political subdivisions (the school district and the county) are
required to contribute their portion of the increased taxes to the project. Conversely, when
TRF is requested, each political subdivision has the option of granting its portion of the
increased taxes to the project. Subsequently, the dollars generated for the project with TRF
are generally less than the dollars generated with TIF. Tax Rebate Financing cannot be
applied to parcels in an active tax increment district.
III. OBJECTIVES OF TAX REBATE FINANCING
As a matter of adopted policy, the city will consider using TRF to assist private development
projects to achieve one or more of the following objectives:
To retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of jobs that offer stable
employment and/or attractive wages and benefits.
To enhance and diversify the city of Anoka's economic base.
Policy Number 2003-01 Adopted January 6, 2003
TAX REBATE
FINANCING POLICY
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 2 of 10
To encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either directly or
indirectly through" spin off' development.
To facilitate the development process and to achieve development on sites that
would not be developed without TRF assistance.
To promote historic preservation conservation and rehabilitation of
commercial, residential, and public properties.
To remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment of commercial and industrial areas
in the city that result in high quality redevelopment and private reinvestment.
To offset increased costs of redevelopment (i.e. contaminated site clean up) over
and above the costs normally incurred in development.
To create opportunities for affordable housing, housing rehabilitation and home
ownership.
To contribute to the implementation of other public policies, as adopted by the city
from time to time, such as the promotion of quality urban or architectural design,
energy conservation, and decreasing capital and/or operating costs of local
government.
IV. POLICIES FOR THE USE OF TRF
a. TRF assistance will be provided to the developer upon receipt of taxes by the City,
otherwise referred to as the pay-as-you-go method. Requests for up front financing
will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
b. Any developer receiving TRF assistance shall provide a minimum of twenty
percent (20%) cash equity investment in the project. Projects utilizing the SBA504
program will be required to provide a minimum of ten percent (10%) cash equity
investment.
c. Developer shall be able to demonstrate a market demand for a proposed project.
d. TRF shall not be used for projects that would place extraordinary demands on
city services or for projects that would generate significant environmental
impacts.
e. The developer must provide adequate financial guarantees to
ensure completion of the project, including, but not limited to:
assessment agreements, letters of credit, personal guaranties, and
etcetera.
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 3 of 10
f. The developer shall adequately demonstrate, to the City's sole
satisfaction, an ability to complete the proposed project based on
past development experience, general reputation, and credit
history, among other factors, including the size and scope of the
proposed project.
g. For the purposes of underwriting the proposal, the developer
shall provide any requested market, financial, environmental, or
other data requested by the City or its consultants.
h. TRF proposals shall not be used to support speculative office
projects. Speculative projects are defined as those projects that
have pre-leasing agreements or letters of intent for less than 50%
of the available space.
In addition, leasable office projects must meet the following
guidelines:
1. Evidence of the 50% occupancy must be reported to the
Community Development Director six months following an
issued certificate of occupancy.
2. 50% of the jobs within the leasable office building space must
be considered "new" jobs to the City of Anoka, meaning jobs
not located in the City at any time prior to occupying space in
the project.
3. Business retention jobs will be considered on a one-for-one
match to job creation only in cases where job loss is specific
and demonstrable in accordance with the MN Business
Subsidy Law. Evidence may include documentation that the
company will have to close involuntarily, or the company has
received an attractive offer to move to another state or
community.
i. All TRF proposals shall optimize the private development
potential of a site.
V. PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS
All TRF projects considered by the City of Anoka must meet each of the following requirements:
a. The project shall meet at least one of the objectives set forth in
Section III of this document.
b. The use of TRF will be limited to:
• Industrial development, expansion, redevelopment, or
rehabilitation; or
• Commercial redevelopment or rehabilitation; or
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 4 of 10
• Research and development facilities that satisfy Anoka
Enterprise Park zoning requirements; or
• Office facilities with a minimum new construction of 25,
000 square feet and minimum market value of $1,000,000
upon project completion; or
• Residential development, redevelopment, or rehabilitation
upon recommendation of the HRA.
• Historic properties preservation, conservation, or
rehabilitation.
c. The developer shall demonstrate that the project is not financially feasible but
for the use of TRF. Evaluation of the project's financial feasibility without
TRF shall be provided by the City's financial advisor on requests of over
$25,000 total.
d. The project shall comply with all provisions set forth in the state's Tax
Abatement Law, statues 469.1812 to 469.1815, as amended.
e. The project must be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Land
Use Plan, and Zoning Ordinances.
f. The project shall serve at least two of the following public purposes:
• Job creation or job retention.
• Increase of tax base.
• Enhancement or diversification of the city's economic base.
• Development or redevelopment that will spur additional private
investment in the area.
• Fulfillment of defined city objectives, such as those identified in the
Economic Development Plan or the City's Comprehensive Plan, among
others.
• Removal of blight or the rehabilitation of a high profile or priority site.
VI. SUBSIDY AGREEMENT & REPORTING REQUIRMENTS.
All developers/businesses receiving Tax Rebate Financing assistance from the City of
Anoka shall be subject to the provisions and requirements set forth by the City's Business
Subsidy Criteria as adopted, and State Statute 116J.993 as summarized below.
All developers/businesses receiving TRF assistance shall enter into a Subsidy Agreement
with the City of Anoka that identifies: the reason for the subsidy, the public purpose served
by the subsidy, and the goals for the subsidy, as well as other subsidy agreement criteria set
forth by Statute 116J.993.
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 5 of 10
The developer/business shall file a report annually for two years after the date the benefit is
received or until all goals set forth in the application and Subsidy Agreement have been met,
whichever is later. Reports shall be completed using the format drafted by the State of
Minnesota and shall be filed with the City of Anoka no later than March 1 of each year for
the previous calendar year. Businesses fulfilling job creation requirements must file a report
to that effect with the city within 30 days of meeting the requirements.
The developer/business owner shall maintain and operate its facility at the site where TRF
assistance is used for a period of five years after the benefit is received.
In addition to attaining or exceeding the jobs and wages goals set forth in the Subsidy
Agreement, the borrower shall achieve at least one of the objectives set forth in Section III
of this document.
Developers / Businesses failing to comply with the above provisions will be subject to fines,
repayment requirements, termination of the assistance, and be deemed ineligible by the State
to receive any loans or grants from public entities for a period of five years.
VII. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR TRF
a. City of Anoka.
1. Applicant submits the completed application along with a $5,000 application
fee. The application fee will be used toward the cost of services provided in
the evaluation of financial feasibility and preparation of legal documents.
The balance of the application fee will be returned to the applicant.
2. City staff reviews the application and completes the Application Review
Worksheet.
3. Results of the Worksheet are submitted to the appropriate governing
authorities for preliminary approval of the proposal.
4. If preliminary approval is granted, all necessary notices, resolutions and
agreements are prepared by City staff and/or consultants.
5. Public hearing(s) on the proposed project are held.
6. The EDC or HRA recommends approval or denial of the proposal to the
City Council.
7. The City Council grants final approval or denial of the proposal.
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 6 of 10
b. Applications to other political subdivision.
It is recommended that applicants intending to seek TRF from Anoka County
and/or School District 11 make their applications to those bodies concurrent with
their application to the City of Anoka. For more information on applying for TRF
through Anoka County and/or School District 11, contact:
Mr. Jay McLinden, County Administrator
Anoka County Government Center
2100 Third Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
Phone: 763-323-5693
Dr. Roger Giroux, Superintendent
Anoka-Hennepin School District No. 11
Educational Service Center
11299 Hanson Blvd.
Coon Rapids, MN 55433
763-506-1000
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 7 of 10
VIII. APPLICATION FOR TAX REBATE FINANCING
A. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name of Corporation/Partnership________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________________
Primary Contact______________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
Phone______________ Fax _________________
E-mail__________________________________
On a separate sheet, please provide the following:
Brief description of the corporation/partnership's business, including history,
principal product or service, etc...Attach as Exhibit A .
Brief description of the proposed project. Attach as Exhibit B.
List names of officers and shareholders/partners with more than five percent
(5%) interest in the corporation/partnership. Attach as Exhibit C.
• A butfor analysis and narrative. Attach as Exhibit D.
Attorney Name_______________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
Phone__________________ Fax_______________ Email_____________________________
Accountant Name____________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
Phone__________________ Fax_______________Email _____________________________
Contractor Name______________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
Phone__________________ Fax_______________Email _____________________________
Engineer Name_______________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
Phone__________________Fax_______________Email______________________________
Architect Name_______________________________________________________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
Phone__________________Fax_______________Email______________________________
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 8 of 10
B. PROJECT INFORMATION
1. The project will be:
____Industrial:____New Construction ____Expansion ____ Redevelopment / Rehab.
____Office/research facility that conforms to business park standards
____Commercial Redevelopment/Rehabilitation
Other______________________________________________
2. In addition to the City of Anoka, applicant is requesting TRF funds from:
____Anoka County ____School District 11
3. The project will be: ____Owner Occupied ____Leased Space
• If leased space, please attach a list names and addresses of future lessees and
indicate the status of commitments or lease agreements. Attach as Exhibit E.
4. Project Address_________________________________________________________
• Include Legal Description and PID Number. Attach as Exhibit F
5. Site Plan Attached: _____Yes _____No
6. Total Amount of TRF Requested: $_________over________ years.
City Portion of TRF: Annual $__________ Total $_________
County Portion of TRF: Annual $__________ Total $_________
ISD 11 Portion of TRF: Annual $__________ Total $_________
7. Current Real Estate Taxes on Project Site: $
__________
Estimated Real Estate Taxes upon Completion: Phase I $
Phase II $
8. Construction Start Date:____________________________________________
Construction Completion Date:_______________________________________
If Phased Project:__________Year _______ % Completed
__________Year _______ % Completed
C. PUBLIC PURPOSE It is the policy of the City of Anoka that the use of Tax
Rebate Financing should result in a benefit to the public. Please indicate how this
project will serve a public purpose.
________Job Creation/Retention Number of existing jobs_______________
Number of jobs created by project________________
Average hourly wage of jobs created/retained__________
________New industrial development which will result in additional private investment in
the area.
________Enhancement and/or diversification of the city's economic base.
________The project contributes to the fulfillment of the City's Economic
Development Plan.
________Removal of blight.
________Rehabilitation of a high profile or priority site.
Other:_________________________________________________________
Policy 2003-01 Tax Rebate Policy Page 9 of 10
D. SOURCES & USES
NAME AMOUNT
SOURCES $____________
Bank Loan $____________
Other Private Funds $____________
Equity $____________
Fed Grant/Loan State Grant/Loan $____________
Other Loan $____________
Tax Rebate Financing $____________
ID Bonds $____________
TOTAL
AMOUNT
USES
Land Acquisition $____________
Site Development $____________
Construction $____________
Machinery & Equipment $____________
Architectural & Engineering Fees $____________
Legal Fees $____________
Interest During Construction $____________
Debt Service Reserve $____________
Contingencies
TOTAL
E. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CHECKLIST
Applicants will also be required to provide the following documentation.
A) Written business plan, including a description of the business,
ownership/management, date established, products and services, and future plans
B) Financial Statements for Past Two Years
Profit & Loss Statement Balance Sheet
C) Current Financial Statements Profit & Loss Statement to Date Balance Sheet to Date
D) Two Year Financial Projections
E) Personal Financial Statements of all Major Shareholders Profit & Loss Current Tax
Return
F) Letter of Commitment from Applicant Pledging to Complete During the
Proposed Project Duration
G) Letter of Commitment from the Other Sources of Financing, Stating Terms and
Conditions of their Participation in the Project
H) Application fee of $5000
I) Itemized Project Construction Statement
J) Attach the following documentation as Exhibits
Exhibit A - Corporation/Partnership Description
Exhibit B - Description of Project
Exhibit C - List of Shareholders/Partners
Exhibit D - But-For Analysis
Exhibit E - List of Prospective Lessees
Exhibit F - Legal Description
Note: All Major shareholders will be required to sign personal guarantees if up
front financing of the project is required.
The undersigned certifies that all information provided in this application is true and correct to the
best of the undersigned's knowledge. The undersigned authorizes the City of Anoka to check
credit references, verify financial and other information, and share this information with other
political subdivisions as needed. The undersigned also agrees to provide any additional
information as may be requested by the City after the filing of this application.
Applicant Name Date
____________________________________________ ________________________
Burnsville Development Tools Criteria and Public Financing Policy Page 1
City of Burnsville and
Burnsville Economic Development Authority
Developmental Tools Policy
December 2019
INTRODUCTION:
This Policy is adopted for purposes of the business subsidies act, pursuant to Minnesota
Statutes, Sections 116J.993 through 116J.995, as amended (the “Statutes”). Terms used
in this Policy are intended to have the same meanings as those used in the Statutes.
Subdivision 3 of the Statutes specifies forms of financial assistance that are not
considered a business subsidy. This list contains exceptions for several activities,
including redevelopment, pollution clean-up, and housing, among others. By providing a
business subsidy, the city commits to holding a public hearing, as applicable, and
annually reporting to the Department of Employment and Economic Development
(“DEED”) on job and wage goal progress if and when required by the Statutes.
1.PURPOSE AND AUTHORITY:
A. The purpose of this document is to establish criteria for the City of Burnsville
(“City”) and the Burnsville Economic Development Authority (“EDA”) for the
granting of business assistance and public financial assistance for private
development within the City. As used in this Policy, the term “City” shall be
understood to include the EDA. The criteria outlined in this Policy shall be
used as a guide in processing and reviewing applications requesting
business assistance and/or City public financial assistance. As used in this
Policy, the term business assistance includes, but is not limited, assistance
constituting a “business subsidy” under the Statutes.
B. The City's ability to grant business assistance is governed by the limitations
established in the Statutes and other provisions of Minnesota law. The City
may choose to apply the criteria contained herein to other development
activities not covered under the Statutes. City public financial assistance
may or may not be considered a business subsidy as defined by the
Statutes.
C. Business assistance include grants by state or local government agencies,
contributions of personal property, real property, infrastructure, the principal
amount of a loan at rates below those commercially available to the
recipient of the assistance, any reduction or deferral of any tax or any fee,
tax increment financing (TIF), abatement of property taxes, loans made
from City funds, any guarantee of any payment under any loan, lease, or
other obligation, or any preferential use of government facilities given to a
business. Certain types of business assistance may not be considered
business subsidies under the Statutes.
Burnsville Development Tools Criteria and Public Financing Policy Page 2
D. The criteria contained herein shall be used in conjunction with other relevant
policies of the City. Compliance with the Development Tools Policy shall
not automatically mean compliance with such separate policies.
E. The City, at its sole discretion, may deviate from the job and wage goals
criteria outlined in Section 5 D, E, and F below by documenting in writing
the reason(s) for the deviation. The documentation shall be submitted to
DEED with the next annual report.
F. The City may amend this document at any time. Amendments to this Policy
are subject to public hearing requirements contained in the Statutes.
2.CITY’S OBJECTIVE FOR THE USE OF PUBLIC FINANCING:
A.As a matter of adopted policy, the City may consider using public financial
assistance which may include tax increment financing (TIF), tax abatement,
and other forms of public financing as appropriate, to assist private
development projects. Such assistance must comply with all applicable
statutory requirements and accomplish one or more of the following
objectives:
1.Remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment in designated
redevelopment/development area(s) per the goals and visions
established by the City.
2.Expand and diversify the local economy and tax base.
3.Enhance the City’s position as a regional destination
4.Encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area,
either directly or through secondary “spin-off” development.
5.Offset increased costs for redevelopment over and above the costs
that a developer would incur in normal urban and suburban
development (determined as part of the But-For analysis).
6.Facilitate the development process and promote development on
sites that could not be developed without this assistance.
7.Retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of quality
jobs
8.Provide opportunities for small businesses and/or entrepreneurs and
promote resident economic stability.
9.Meet other uses of public policy, as adopted by the City from time to
time, including but not limited to promotion of quality urban design,
quality architectural design, energy conservation, sustainable
building practices, and decreasing the capital and operating costs of
local government.
Burnsville Development Tools Criteria and Public Financing Policy Page 3
3.PUBLIC FINANCING PRINCIPLES:
A.The guidelines and principles set forth in this document pertain to all
applications for City public financial assistance regardless of whether they
are considered a Business Subsidy as defined by the Statutes. The
following general assumptions of development/redevelopment shall serve
as a guide for City public financial assistance:
1.All viable requests for City public financial assistance shall be
reviewed by staff, and, if so designated, a third-party financial advisor
who will inform the City of its findings and recommendations. This
process, known as the “But For” analysis is intended to determine if
the project would not be feasible but for the City assistance.
2.City staff and a third-party financial advisor will prepare a
memorandum for the City Council and EDA documenting the “But
For” Test has been met.
3.The City shall establish mechanisms within the development
agreement to ensure that adequate checks and balances are
incorporated in the distribution of financial assistance where feasible
and appropriate, including but not limited to:
a.Establishment of “look back provisions”
b.Establishment of minimum assessment agreements
c.Documentation of all costs
4.TIF and abatement will be provided on a pay-as-you-go-basis. Any
request for upfront assistance will be evaluated on its own merits and
may require security to cover any risks assumed by the City.
5.The City may set up TIF districts in accordance with the maximum
number of statutory years allowable; however, this does not mean
that the applicant will be granted assistance for the full term of the
district.
6.The City shall elect to have the fiscal disparities contribution come
from inside applicable TIF district(s) to eliminate any impact to the
existing tax payers of the community.
7.Public financing will not be used in projects that would give a
significant competitive financial advantage over similar projects in
the area due to the use of public subsidies. Applicants should be
able to provide information to support that City public financial
assistance will not create such a competitive advantage. Priority
consideration will be given to projects that fill an unmet market need.
8.Public financial assistance will not be used in a project that involves
a land and/or property acquisition where the price is in excess of the
fair market value.
Burnsville Development Tools Criteria and Public Financing Policy Page 4
9.The applicant shall pay all applicable application fees and pay for the
City’s fiscal and legal advisor time as stated in the Public Assistance
Application.
10.The City may consider waiving fees. The City may consider using
SAC credits, to the extent they are available, to off -set a project’s
SAC expenses.
11.The applicant shall proactively attempt to minimize the amount of
public assistance needed through the pursuit of grants, innovative
solutions in structuring the deal, and other funding mechanisms.
12.All developments are subject to execution and recording of a
Minimum Assessment Agreement.
4.PROJECTS WHICH MAY QUALIFY FOR PUBLIC FINANCING ASSISTANCE:
A. All new applications for public financial assistance that are considered by
the City must meet each of the following minimum qualifications. However,
it should not be presumed that a project meeting these qualifications will
automatically be approved for assistance. Meeting the qualifications does
not imply or create contractual rights on the part of any potential applicant
to have its project approved for assistance.
4.1 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
A. In addition to meeting the applicable requirements of State law, t he project
shall meet one or more of the public financing objectives outlined in Sec. 2.
B. The applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the City that the
project is not financially feasible “but for” the use of public financial
assistance.
C. The project is, or will be through the City approval processes, consistent
with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinances, Design Guidelines or
any other applicable land use documents of the City.
D. The project will meet the City’s “Better” or “Best” architectural standards
E. Prior to approval of a financing plan, the applicant shall provide any
requested market and financial feasibility studies, appraisals, soil boring s,
private lender commitment, and/or other information the City or its financial
advisors may require in order to proceed with an independent evaluation of
the proposal.
F. The applicant must provide adequate financial guarantees to ensure the
repayment of any public financing and completion of the project. These
may include, but are not limited to, assessment agreements, letters of
credit, personal deficiency guarantees, guaranteed maximum cost contract,
etc.
Burnsville Development Tools Criteria and Public Financing Policy Page 5
G. Any applicant requesting public financial assistance must be able to
demonstrate a previous capability for successful development, as well as
specific capability regarding the type and size of the development proposed,
unless for a use specified in 4.2C (7-8). Public financing shall not be used
when the applicant’s credentials, in the sole judgment of the City, are
inadequate due to previous history relating to completion of projects,
general reputation, and/or bankruptcy, or other problems or issues
considered relevant to the City.
H. The applicant, or its contractual assigns, shall retain ownership of any
portion of the project long enough to complete it, stabilize its occupancy,
establish project management and/or needed mechanisms to ensure
successful operation.
4.2 DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
A. Projects providing a high ratio of private investment compared to City public
investment shall receive priority consideration. Private investment includes
developer cash, government and bank loans, conduit bonds, tax credit
equity, and land if already owned by the applicant.
B. Proposals that significantly increase the amount of property taxes paid after
redevelopment will receive priority consideration.
C. Proposals that encourage the following will receive priority consideration:
1.Implements the City’s vision and values for a City-identified
redevelopment area, including but not limited to Heart of the City,
Burnsville Shopping Center, and the County Road 42 corridor.
2.Provides significant improvement to surrounding land uses,
neighborhoods, and/or the City
3.Attracts or retains an employer within the City
4.Provides increased quality and higher paying jobs
5.Promotes housing investment that meets the following City goals:
i.Increase housing choice within the community; diversify
existing housing stock; and provide options that do not currently
exist
ii.Attract young professionals and young families to the
community
iii.Provide clean, safe, and affordable housing units
iv.Include housing as part of City special purpose projects, such
as Heart of the City, or other priority City redevelopment areas.
v.Multi-family housing with high-amenities considered luxury
and/or market rate
Burnsville Development Tools Criteria and Public Financing Policy Page 6
6.Provides opportunity for the attraction of destination-oriented uses
such as outdoor recreation, entertainment and shopping
7.Provides opportunities for small businesses and/or entrepreneurs
8.Projects that promote resident economic stability
9.Redevelops a blighted, contaminated and/or challenged area
10.Preserves and/or stabilizes a major commercial or industrial node
11.Adds needed public infrastructure such as roads or structured
parking
5.BUSINESS SUBSIDY PUBLIC PURPOSE, JOBS AND WAGE REQUIREMENT:
A. All business assistance must meet a public purpose with measurable
benefit to the City as a whole.
B. Job retention may only be used as a public purpose in cases where job loss
is specific and demonstrable. The City shall document the information used
to determine the nature of the job loss.
C. The creation of tax base shall not be the sole public purpose of a subsidy.
D. Unless the creation of jobs is removed from a particular project pursuant to
the requirements of the Statutes, the creation of jobs is a public purpose for
granting assistance. Creation of at least 2 Full Time, or Full Time Equivalent
(FTE) jobs is a minimum requirement for consideration of assistance. For
purposes of this Policy, FTE jobs must be permanent positions with set
hours, and be eligible for benefits.
E. Part-Time Equivalent jobs may receive a partial credit and be counted
toward the job goals.
F. The wage floor for wages to be paid for the jobs created shall be not less
than 200% of the State of MN Minimum Wage. The City will seek to create
jobs with higher wages as appropriate for the overall public purpose of the
assistance. Wage goals may also be set to enhance existing jobs through
increased wages, which increase must result in wages higher than the
minimum under this Section.
G. After a public hearing, if the creation or retention of jobs is determined not
to be a goal, the wage and job goals may be set at zero.
Burnsville Development Tools Criteria and Public Financing Policy Page 7
6.SUBSIDY AGREEMENT:
A.In granting a business assistance, if required by the Statutes, the City shall
enter into a subsidy agreement with the recipient that provides the following
information:
1.Wage and job goals (if applicable)
2.Commitment to provide necessary information for reporting purposes
3.Five-year operation commitment after the benefit date
4.Recourse for failure to meet goals required by the Statutes
B. The subsidy agreement may be incorporated into a broader development
agreement for a project.
C. The assistance agreement will commit the recipient to provide the reporting
information required by the Statutes, if any.
D. For assistance that does not constitute a business subsidy under the
Statutes, the grantee and the City or the EDA will enter into an agreement
setting forth the terms of the assistance.
7.PUBLIC FINANCING PROJECT EVALUATION PROCESS:
A. The following methods of analysis for all public financing proposals will be
used:
1.Project is deemed consistent with City’s Goals and Objectives
2.Consideration of project meeting minimum qualifications
3.Consideration of project meeting desired qualifications
4.Project meets “but-for” analysis and/or statutory qualifications
Please note that the evaluation methodology is intended to provide a
balanced review. Each area will be evaluated individually and collectively
and in no case should one area outweigh another in terms of importance to
determining the level of assistance.
100 Civic Center Parkway • Burnsville, MN 55377 • Phone (952) 8954400
APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC FINANCING
Applicant Information
1. Applicant Name:
(Name should be the officially registered name of the business entity.)
Address:
Telephone: Email Address:
2. Individual Completing the Application:
Address:
Telephone: Email Address:
3. Names and Addresses of Attorney Architect, Engineer, and Contractor for this Project:
Attorney Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email Address:
Architect Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email Address:
Engineer Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email Address:
Contractor Name:
Address:
Telephone: Email Address:
4. If the applicant is a corporation, please name officers, directors, or stockholders holding
more that 5% of the stock of the corporation. If the corporation is not formed, provide as
much information as possible concerning potential officers, directors, or stockholders .
4a. If the applicant is a general partnership, name of the general partners and if a limited
partnership, state the general partners and limited partners with more than 5% interest in
the limited partnership. If the partnership is not formed, provide as much information as
possible concerning potential officers, directors or stockholders.
4b. Has the applicant ever been in bankruptcy? If yes, please describe the circumstances.
☐ Yes ☐ No
4c. Has the applicant ever been convicted of a felony? If yes, please describe the
circumstances.
☐ Yes ☐ No
4d. Has the applicant ever defaulted on any bond or mortgage commitment?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Project Information
1. PID#’s, Addresses, Size of Project Site, and Legal Description:
PID#’s:
Address:
Size of Project (Acres):
Please attach legal description to this application.
2. Current Ownership of the Site:
3. Do you have current control of the site? ☐ Yes ☐ No
4. Project Description.
5. If property is to be subdivided or re-platted, please describe.
6. Please attach a detailed project budget, operating pro forma, and financing details,
including all items listed in Appendix A.
7. Project Construction Schedule:
Construction Start Date:
Construction Completion Date:
If the Project is phased, please provide the following:
January 2, % Completed
January 2, % Completed
8.Total Estimated Market Value of Project upon completion:
10.Will any public official of the City, either directly or indirectly, benefit from the issuance of
public assistance within the meaning of Minnesota Statutes, Section 412.311 or 471.87? If
yes, please explain the circumstances.
☐ Yes ☐ No
Public Assistance Request
1.Amount of Assistance and Term:
Amount:
Term (years):
2.Describe the purpose for which Public Assistance (TIF or Tax Abatement) is required.
3.Please submit an itemized list of project costs for which TIF assistance is being requested.
4.State specific reasons why, “but for” the use of public assistance, this project would not be
possible.
5.Identify the ways in which the project meets both the “Minimum” and the “Desired ”
qualifications as detailed in the City and EDA’s Business Subsidy and Public Financing
Policy (Sections 4.1 and 4.2).
☐ Per M.S. 471.462, an applicant may request that the City provide a written, nonbinding estimate of
the anticipated consulting fees to be charged to the applicant based on information available at the time of
application. By checking this box, I request that the City provide that estimate, and I acknowledge that by
making this request, the application shall not be deemed complete until the city has:
1. provided an estimate to the applicant;
2. received the required application fees as specified by the city;
3. received a signed acceptance of the fee estimate from the applicant; and
4. received a signed statement that the applicant has not relied on the estimate of fees in its decision to
proceed with the final application from the applicant
__________________________________
Signature of Applicant
___________________________________
Date
ESTIMATE OF ANTICIPATED CONSULTANT FEES
Pursuant to M.S. 471.462, the Applicant has requested the City provide a written, nonbinding estimate
of the consultant fees to be charged to the applicant based on information available at the time of the
request.
At this time, the City estimates the following consulting fees will be incurred and charged to the
applicant:
Financial Consultant _________________
Legal _________________
I acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the fee estimate provided and attest that I have not relied on
the estimate of fees in my decision to proceed with the final application to the City.
__________________________________
Signature of Applicant
___________________________________
Date
Appraisal Fees ______________________
Application Process
1.Submit completed application and attach additional items listed in Appendix A. Significant additional
information may be requested at any time by the City/EDA and may be in addition to the materials
outlined in this application. The Applicant shall be required to submit any and all information as
requested by the City/EDA.
2.Applicant acknowledges and agrees to pay the Public Assistance Application Fee and is non-
refundable.
3.At the time of acceptance by staff of the Public Financing Application, the applicant shall deposit the
current published fee with the City/EDA to cover attorney and consultant costs incurred as part of
establishing a TIF district or abatement, drafting and negotiating a development agreement, and
conducting any fiscal analysis that may be required to meet the requirements of utilizing any public
financing. If additional expenses are incurred beyond the fee, prior to the execution of a development
agreement, the City/EDA shall notify the applicant in writing and the applicant will be required to
deposit additional funds upon notice.
4.The Applicant shall hold the City/EDA, its officers, consultants, attorneys, and agents harmless from
any and all claims arising from or in connection with the Project or Public Assistance Application,
including but not limited to, any legal or actual violations of any State or Federal securities laws.
5.The Applicant recognizes and agrees that the City/EDA reserves the right to deny any application for
Public Assistance at any stage of the proceedings prior to adopting the resolution approving the public
assistance, that the Applicant is not entitled to rely on any preliminary actions by the City /EDA prior
to the final resolution, and that all expenditures, obligations, costs, fees, or liabilities incurred by the
Applicant in connection with the Project are incurred by the Applicant at its sole risk and expense and
not in reliance on any actions of the City/EDA.
The undersigned, a duly authorized representative of the Applicant, hereby certifies that the
foregoing information is true, correct, and complete as of the date hereof and agrees that the
Applicant shall be bound by the terms and provisions herein.
APPLICANT’ S NAME DATE
CITY ACCEPTANCE OF APPLICATION DATE
FEE AMOUNT REMITTED DATE
Appendix A
Required Financial Information Required With Application
• Detailed Sources and Uses of funds
o Identify and isolate any extraordinary redevelopment and/or clean-up
expenditures
o For mixed-use projects: separate commercial and residential costs
• Revenue/Income Projections
o Residential: Include monthly unit rent, unit count, and square footage for
each unit type. Also include any other income (Parking, Storage, Pet
Fees, etc.). For low income housing tax credit projects, include the full
housing workbook submitted to the state housing finance agency. For
senior care facilities, breakout the services as separate income.
o Commercial: Include square footage of each leasable space and the per
square foot lease rate for each space. Indicate the terms of leases
(duration, N, NNN, etc.) Also, include the expense on Commercial Space
(Property Taxes and CAM).
o Hotel: Include average daily rate, occupancy percentages, REVPAR and
TREVPAR. Include any additional revenue from restaurant, bar and/or
banquet operations, and any misc. revenue (vending, etc.).
o All: Include vacancy rate projections
• Detailed Operating Costs
o Include the major categories, such as administrative, payroll, utilities,
insurance, maintenance, management fees, property taxes, etc.
• Financing Assumptions
o Rate
o Amortization
o Term
o Underwriting requirements (DCR, LTV, etc.)
• 15-Year Operating Proforma
• Site Plan and location map
• Building Elevations
• For residential projects:
o Detailed list of amenities
o Types of parking (Underground, structured, and/or surface)
o Interior unit finish materials
o Exterior finish materials
• Market and/or Feasibility Study
Significant additional information may be requested at any time by the Ci ty/EDA and
may be in addition to the materials outlined in this application. The Applicant shall be
required to submit any and all information as requested by the City/EDA.
Tax Abatement
Policy & Application
Amended: April 2000 August 2002 May 2006 February 2014 September 2016 April 2017
City of Elk River
Economic Development Division
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
763.635.1040
Page 2 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
Table of Contents
I. Policy Purpose 3
II. Difference Between Tax Abatement &
Tax Increment Financing 3
III. Objectives of Tax Abatement 3
IV. Policies for the Use of Tax Abatement 4
V. Project Qualifications 5
VI. Subsidy Agreement & Reporting Requirements 6
VII. Application Process for Tax Abatement 7
city of Elk River
Application to Other Jurisdictions
VIII. Application for Tax Abatement 8
Applicant Information
Project Information
Public Purpose
Sources & Uses
Additional Documentation and Checklist
IX. Sample But-For Analysis 13
X. Application Review Worksheet 14
Page 3 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
I. POLICY PURPOSE
For the purposes of this document, the term “city” shall include the Elk River City Council, Economic
Development Authority, and Housing and Redevelopment Authority.
The purpose of this policy is to establish the city of Elk River’s position relating to the
use of Tax Abatement for private development above and beyond the requirements and
limitations set forth by State Law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing
and review of applications requesting Tax Abatement assistance. The fundamental
purpose of providing Tax Abatement in Elk River is to encourage desirable development
or redevelopment that would not otherwise occur but-for the assistance provided through
the Tax Abatement.
The city of Elk River is granted the power to utilize Tax Abatement by Minnesota
Statutes, Sections 469.1812 to 469.1815 (the “Minnesota Tax Abatement Act”), as
amended. It is the intent of the city to provide the minimum amount of Tax Abatement,
as well as other incentives, at the shortest term required for the project to proceed.
Preference is given to projects in which the total amount of Tax Abatement request
includes participation from the county. The city reserves the right to approve or reject
projects on a case by case basis, taking into consideration established policies, project
criteria, and demand on city services in relation to the potential benefits from the
project. Meeting policy criteria does not guarantee the award of Tax Abatement to the
project. Approval or denial of one project is not intended to set precedent for approval
or denial of another project.
II. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAX ABATEMENT AND
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
The primary difference between Tax Abatement and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is
the way in which the dollars are awarded to the project. When TIF is awarded to a
project by the city, the other taxing jurisdictions (the school district and the county) are
required to contribute their portion of the increased taxes to the project. Conversely,
when Tax Abatement is requested, each political subdivision has the option of granting
its portion of the increased taxes to the project. Subsequently, the dollars generated for
the project with Tax Abatement are generally less than the dollars generated with TIF.
III. OBJECTIVES OF TAX ABATEMENT
As a matter of adopted policy, the city will consider using Tax Abatement to assist
private development projects to achieve one or more of the following objectives:
• To retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of jobs that offer
stable employment and/or attractive wages and benefits as defined in the city’s
Business Subsidy Policy.
• To enhance and diversify the city of Elk River’s economic base.
• To encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either
directly or indirectly through “spin off” development.
Page 4 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
• To facilitate the development process and to achieve development on sites
which would not be developed without Tax Abatement assistance.
• To remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment of commercial and
industrial areas in the city that result in high quality redevelopment and private
reinvestment.
• To offset increased costs of redevelopment (i.e. contaminated site clean-up)
over and above the costs normally incurred in development.
• To create opportunities for affordable housing.
• To contribute to the implementation of other public policies, as adopted by the
city from time to time, such as the promotion of quality urban or architectural
design, energy conservation, and decreasing capital and/or operating costs of
local government.
• To significantly increase the city of Elk River’s tax base.
IV. POLICIES FOR THE USE OF TAX ABATEMENT
a. Tax Abatement assistance will generally be provided to the developer upon
receipt of taxes by the city, otherwise referred to as the pay-as-you-go method.
Requests for up front financing will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
b. Any developer receiving Tax Abatement assistance shall provide a minimum
of ten percent (10%) owner cash equity investment in the project.
c. Tax Abatement will not be used in circumstances where land and/or
property price is in excess of fair market value.
d. Developer shall be able to demonstrate a market demand for a proposed
project.
e. Tax Abatement will not be utilized in cases where it would create an unfair
and significant competitive financial advantage over other projects in the
area.
f. Tax Abatement shall not be used for projects that would place extraordinary
demands on city services or for projects that would generate significant
environmental impacts.
g. The developer must provide adequate financial guarantees to ensure
completion of the project, including, but not limited to: agreements, letters of
credit, personal guaranties, etc.
h. The developer shall adequately demonstrate, to the city’s sole satisfaction, an
Page 5 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
ability to complete the proposed project based on past development
experience, general reputation, and credit history, among other factors,
including the size and scope of the proposed project.
i. For the purpose of underwriting the proposal, the developer shall provide
any requested market, financial, environmental, construction plans or other
data requested by the city or its consultants.
j. Tax Abatement proposals shall not be used to support speculative office
projects. Speculative projects are defined as those projects which have pre-
leasing agreements or letters of intent for less than 50% of the available
space.
In addition, leasable office projects must meet the following guidelines:
1. Evidence of the 50% occupancy must be reported to the Director of
Economic Development six months following an issued Certificate of
Occupancy.
2. Of the occupants certified at the six month period, 50% of the jobs
must be considered “new” jobs to the city of Elk River, meaning jobs
not located in the city at any time prior to occupying space in the
project.
3. Business retention jobs will be considered on a one-for-one match to
job creation only in cases where job loss is specific and demonstrable in
accordance with the Minnesota Business Subsidy Law. Evidence may
include documentation that the company will have to close involuntarily,
or the company has received an attractive offer to move to another state
or community.
k. All Tax Abatement proposals shall optimize the private development
potential of a site.
V. PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS
All Tax Abatement projects considered by the city of Elk River must meet each of the
following requirements:
a. The project shall meet at least one of the objectives set forth in Section III of
this document.
b. The use of Tax Abatement will be limited to:
• Industrial development, expansion, redevelopment, or
rehabilitation; or
• Commercial redevelopment or rehabilitation; or
• Research and development facilities that satisfy Business Park
zoning requirements; or
• Office facilities with a minimum new construction of 25,000
square feet; or
c. The developer shall demonstrate that the project is not financially feasible
Page 6 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
but-for the use of Tax Abatement. Evaluation of the project’s financial
feasibility without Tax Abatement shall be provided by the city’s financial
advisor on all requests of over $25,000 total public investment.
d. The city will consider the use of Tax Abatement assistance for projects that
may not meet the but-for and job creation criteria, but rather would be
considered as a “location incentive”. These projects may result in other
public benefits such as a significant tax base increase, the creation of higher
paying jobs (at least twice the minimum hourly rate stated in the city’s
Business Subsidy Policy), and is likely to assist in the marketing and attraction
of additional desired developments.
e. The project shall comply with all provisions set forth in the Minnesota Tax
Abatement Law, Minnesota Statutes 469.1812 to 469.1815, as amended.
f. The project must be consistent with the city’s Comprehensive Plan, Land
Use Plan, and Zoning Ordinances.
g. The project shall serve at least two of the following public purposes:
• Job creation or job retention.
• Significantly increase the tax base.
• Enhancement or diversification of the city’s economic base.
• Development or redevelopment that will spur additional private
investment in the area.
• Fulfillment of defined city objectives, such as those identified in the
Economic Development Strategic Plan or the city’s Comprehensive Plan,
among others.
• Removal of blight or the rehabilitation of a high profile or priority site.
VI. SUBSIDY AGREEMENT & REPORTING REQUIRMENTS
All developers/businesses receiving Tax Abatement assistance from the city of Elk
River shall be subject to the provisions and requirements set forth by the city’s
Business Subsidy Policy as amended and Minnesota Statutes Sections 116J.993 to
116J.995 (the “Minnesota Business Subsidy Law”), if applicable
Page 7 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
VII. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR TAX ABATEMENT
A. CITY OF ELK RIVER
1. Applicant submits the completed application along with a $10,000
application deposit, to be refunded for any portions not utilized if the
tax increment project does not proceed. The application deposit will
be used toward the cost of services provided in the evaluation of
financial feasibility and preparation of legal documents and
agreements. Projects that demand professional services in
excess of the initial deposit shall be required to reimburse the
city for the additional expenses.
2. City staff reviews the application and completes the Application
Review Worksheet.
3. Results of the Worksheet are submitted to the appropriate governing
authorities (EDA or HRA) for recommendation to the City Council
of approval or denial of the request.
4. If preliminary approval is granted, all necessary notices, resolutions
and agreements are prepared by city staff and/or consultants.
5. Public hearing(s) on the proposed request are held.
6. The City Council grants final approval or denial of the request.
B. APPLICATIONS TO OTHER JURISDICTIONS
It is recommended that applicants intending to seek Tax Abatement from
Sherburne County and/or School District 728 make their applications to
those bodies concurrent with their application to the city of Elk River. For
more information on applying for Tax Abatement through Sherburne
County and/or School District 728, contact:
Sherburne County Administrator
763-241-2701
School District 728 Superintendent
763-241-3400
Page 8 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
Financial Incentive Application
Tax Abatement Financing
VIII. APPLICATION FOR TAX ABATEMENT
Public Information Notice
Generally, correspondence to and from Staff is considered public information. Specific data related
to a financial assistance request is deemed not public: Financial Information, Financial Statements,
Net worth Calculations, Business Plans, Income and Expense projections, Balance Sheets, Customer
Lists, Income Tax returns. When public financial assistance is received, only the following remains
not public: Business Plans, Income and Expense projections, Customer lists, Income tax returns,
design, market, and feasibility studies not paid for with public funds. The city does allow an
applicant to submit sensitive financial information directly to the city’s financial consultant, for
additional security.
A. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name of Business Entity’s ___
Address ___________________________________________________________
Primary Contact _____________________________________________________
Address____________________________________________________________
Phone______________ Fax________________ Email______________________
Brief description of the business entity, including history, principal product or service:
Brief description of the proposed project:
Attorney Name ________________________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________________
Phone _________________ Fax________________ Email_____________________
Page 9 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
Accountant Name ______
Address
Phone Fax Email ______
Contractor Name ______
Address
Phone Fax Email _______
Engineer Name _______
Address
Phone Fax Email ______
Architect Name ______
Address
Phone Fax Email ______
B. PROJECT INFORMATION
1. The project will be: ____Industrial: ____New Construction ____ Expansion Redevelopment / Rehab.
Office/research facility that conforms to Business Park zoning standards
____Commercial Redevelopment/Rehabilitation
____Other
2. In addition to the city of Elk River, applicant is requesting Tax Abatement from:
__ Sherburne County _ School District 728
3. The project will be: ___Owner Occupied ____Leased Space
4. Project Address
Parcel Identification Number(s)
5. Site Plan and Construction Plans Attached: ____ Yes ____ No
6. Total Amount of Tax Abatement Requested: $ over years. City Portion: Annual $ Total $ County Portion: Annual $ Total $ ISD 728 Portion: Annual $ Total $
7. Current Real Estate Taxes on Project Site: $
Estimated Real Estate Taxes upon Completion: Phase I $ Phase II $
8. Construction Start Date: ______
Construction Completion Date: ____
If Phased Project: Year __ % Completed
Year ______ % Completed
Page 10 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
C. PUBLIC PURPOSE
It is the policy of the city of Elk River that the use of Tax Abatement should result in
a benefit to the public. Please indicate how this project will serve a public purpose.
___Job Creation/Retention Number of existing jobs
Number of jobs created by project
Average hourly wage of jobs created/retained
___New industrial development which will result in additional private
investment in the area.
_Enhancement and/or diversification of the city of Elk River’s economic base.
___The project contributes to the fulfillment of the city’s Economic Development
Strategic Plan.
___Removal of blight.
___Rehabilitation of a high profile or priority site.
___Significantly increase the city’s tax base.
D. SOURCES & USES
SOURCES NAME AMOUNT
Bank Loan $
Other Private Funds $
Owner Cash Equity $
Fed Grant/Loan $
State Grant/Loan $
EDA Micro Loan $
Tax Abatement $
ID Bonds $
TOTAL $
USES AMOUNT
Land Acquisition $
Site Development $
Construction $
Machinery & Equipment $
Architectural & Engineering Fees $
Legal Fees $
Interest During Construction $
Debt Service Reserve $
Contingencies $
TOTAL $
Page 11 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
E. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CHECKLIST
Applicants will also be required to provide the following documentation:
A) Written business plan, including a description of the business,
ownership/management, date established, products and services, and
future plans
B) Financial Statements for Past Two Years
______Profit & Loss Statement
Balance Sheet
C) Current Financial Statements
______Profit & Loss Statement to Date
______Balance Sheet to Date
D) Two Year Financial Projections
______E) Personal Financial Statements & Current Tax Return of all Major
Shareholders
F) Letter of Commitment from Applicant Pledging to Complete During the Proposed Project Duration
G) Letter of Commitment from the Other Sources of Financing,
Stating Terms and Conditions of their Participation in the Project
______H) Application deposit of $10,000, with any unused portion to be refunded
if project does not proceed
I) Construction Plans and Itemized Project Construction Statement
J) Attach the following documentation as Exhibits
Exhibit A – Corporation/Partnership Description
Exhibit B – Description of Project
Exhibit C – List of Shareholders/Partners
Exhibit D – But-For Analysis
Exhibit E – List of Prospective Lessees
Exhibit F – Legal Description and PID Number(s)
I. Note: All owners with ownership interests greater than 20% will be required to sign
personal guarantees if up front financing of the project is required.
Page 12 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
The undersigned certifies that all information provided in this application is true and correct
to the best of the undersigned’s knowledge. The undersigned authorizes the city of Elk
River to check credit references, verify financial and other information, and share this
information with other political subdivisions as needed. The undersigned also agrees to
provide any additional information as may be requested by the city after the filing of this
application.
The undersigned has received the city’s policy regarding the payment of costs of review,
understands that reimbursement to the city of costs incurred in reviewing the application will
be required, agrees to reimburse the city as required in the policy and make payment when
billed by the city, and agrees that the application may be denied for failure to reimburse the
city for costs as provided in the policy.
Applicant Name Date
Page 13 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
IX. SAMPLE BUT-FOR ANALYSIS
WITH NO WITH
TAX ABATEMENT TAX ABATEMENT
SOURCES AND USES SOURCES AND USES
SOURCES SOURCES
Mortgage 9,600,000 8,667,000
Equity 2,400,000 2,400,00
Tax Abatement 0 933,000
TOTAL SOURCES 12,000,000 12,000,000
USES USES
Land 1,500,000 1,500,000
Site Work 300,000 300,000
Soil Correction 468,000 468,000
Demolition 100,000 100,000
Relocation 65,000 65,000
Subtotal Land Costs 2,433,000 2,433,000
Construction 6,750,000 6,750,000
Finish Manufacturing 250,000 250,000
Subtotal Construction Costs 7,000,000 7,000,000
Soft Costs 350,000 350,000
Taxes 35,000 35,000
Finance Fees 850,000 850,000
Project Manager 542,000 542,000
Developer Fee 540,000 540,000
Contingency 250,000 250,000
Subtotal Soft Costs 2,567,000 2,567,000
TOTAL USES 12,000,000 12,000,000
Income Statement Income Statement
Sq. Ft. Per Sq. Ft. Sq. Ft. Per Sq. Ft.
Rent-Space 1 100,000 $8.00 800,000 100,000 $8.00 800,000
Rent-Space 2 25,000 $8.50 212,500 25,000 $8.50 212,500
Rent-Space 3 25,000 $9.00 225,000 25,000 $9.00 225,000
Other 0 $0.00 0 0 $0.00 0
1,237,500 1,237,500
Mortgage 20 Term 1,051,646 20 Term 949,439
9.00% Interest 9.00% Interest
9,600,000 Principal 8,667,000 Principal
Net Income 185,854 288,061
Total Return on Equity 7.74% 12.00%
Page 14 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
X. TAX ABATEMENT APPLICATION REVIEW WORKSHEET
1. The project meets the criteria set forth in Section V of the Tax Abatement policy.
a) Meets at least one of the objectives in Section III.
b) Demonstrates need for Tax Abatement with the but-for analysis.
c) Consistent with all city plans and ordinances.
d) Serves at least two public purposes as defined in Section V(g).
2. Ratio of Private to All Public Investment in Project: Points: _____
$ Private Investment 5:1 5
$ Public Investment 4:1 4
Ratio Private: Public Financing 3:1 3
2:1 2
Less than 2:1 1
3. Job Creation in the city of Elk River: Points: _____
Number of new jobs as a result of the project. 25+ 5
Number of existing/retained jobs 20+ 4
Total 15+ 3
10+ 2
Less than 10 1
4. Ratio of Public Investment to Job Creation: Points: _____
$ Public Investment $8,000 or less 5
Number of new jobs created/retained $10,000 or less 4
$ of Public Investment per new job $12,000 or less 3
$15,000 or less 2
Over $15,000 1
5. Wage Level of new jobs created/retained Points: _____
Minimum hourly wage Over $21/ hour 5
of jobs created/retained: $18-21 / hour 4
$14-17 / hour 3
$10-13 / hour 2
Under $10/ hour 1
6. Project size: Points: _____
The project will result in the construction 40,000+ 5
of square feet 30,000+ 4
20,000+ 3
10,000+ 2
10,000 or less 1
TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY STAFF
Page 15 of 15 EDA & City Council Approved April 17, 2017
7. Market Value/Tax Base Generation: Points: _____
The project will result in a per square foot Industrial Commercial
estimated market value (land and building) $80/sf+ $110/sf+ 5
of $70/sf+ $100/sf+ 4
$60/sf+ $90/sf+ 3
$50/sf+ $80/sf+ 2
$40/sf+ $70/sf+ 1
8. Type of Project: Points: _____
100% Owner Occupied 5
Mix Owner Occupied & Investment 4
Investment Property 3
9. Use: Points: _____
Industrial or Business Park Project 5
Commercial Rehabilitation/Redevelopment 4
10. Likelihood that the project will result in Points: _____
unsubsidized, spin-off development. High 5
Moderate 3
Low 1
11. Bonus Adjustments Bonus Adjustments:
The project will be 100% Pay-as-you-go Tax Abatement 3 points
The project contributes to the goals of Energy City. 2 points
• Product promotes sensible use of energy, OR
• Project utilizes significant energy efficient design &/or
materials in construction.
Sub - Total Points: of a possible 45 points.
Total Points: Rating Points Max Eligibility
Overall project desirability: High 45-38 points 100%
Moderate 37-29 points 75%
Low 28-20 points 50%
Not Eligible 19-0 points 0%
City of Hk River
ver (City CouncH
Resolution l 9. 06
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Elk River Approving an
Amended Business Subsidy Policy
WHEREAS, the City Council (the "Council") of the City of Elk River, Minnesota (the
City") acknowledges the need to provide financial assistance to businesses to further the
economic development objectives of the City; and
WHEREAS, Minnesota Statutes. Sections 116J.993 through 116J.995, as amended (the
Business Subsidy Act") requires any state or local government agency with the authority to
grant a business subsidy to establish business subsidy criteria before any new business
subsidy can be provided; and
WHEREAS, the Council previously approved business subsidy criteria and has now
determined to amend the criteria in accordance with the Business Subsidy Act; and
WHEREAS, the Council has performed all actions required by law to be performed prior
to the adoption of an amended version of the City of Elk River, Minnesota Business Subsidy
Criteria (the "Policy"), including the holding of a public hearing on behalf of itself, the
Economic Development Authority of the City of Elk River and the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority in and for the City of Elk River, Minnesota, upon published
notice as required by law.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Elk
River, Minnesota, as follows: 1. The Council hereby adopts the amended Policy, a copy of
which is on file at the City Hall. 2. City staff is authorized to transmit a copy of the Policy to
the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development in accordance with
the Business Subsidy Act.
Passed and adopted this 19"' day of February 2019.
J n J. ietz, yox
ATTEST:
Tina Allard, City Clerk
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
763.635.1000
ElkRiverMN.gov
COVID-19 Small Business
Emergency Microloan Program
2 | Page
COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program
Purpose
The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA) has developed the small business
emergency assistance microloan program to provide financial assistance to locally owned and operated
businesses adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Eligibility
The COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program is available to locally owned and
operated small businesses located within the City of Elk River.
1. Eligible business types include locally owned and operated businesses noted in
Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08, including but not limited to:
a. Restaurants, cafes, coffeehouses, and other places of public accommodation
offering food or beverage for on-premises consumption
b. Taverns, brew pubs, microbreweries, distilleries, wineries, tasting rooms and
other places of public accommodation offering alcoholic beverages for on-
premises consumption
c. Gymnasiums, fitness centers, indoor sports facilities, indoor exercise facilities,
exercise studios, businesses offering massage therapy or similar body work,
spas, salons, nail salons, cosmetology salons and barber shops. This includes,
but is not limited to, all salons and shops licensed by the Minnesota Board of
Cosmetologist Examiners and the Minnesota Board of Barber Examiners.
d. Art and music studios
e. Bowling alleys, skating rinks and other similar recreational or entertainment
facilities
f. Other businesses deemed nonessential under executive orders adopted by the
Governor of the State of Minnesota
g. Other businesses as approved by the EDA
2. The business must have been in operation prior to the Governor’s Executive Order
3. Be a legal entity registered with the Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State and be
in good standing
4. Be a conforming or legally nonconforming use under the current city zoning
regulations of the city
5. Not be in violation of the city’s zoning code
6. Be in compliance with city ordinances, codes, licensing, and must not have any
delinquent taxes, bills, or other charges due to the city
Amount: Up to $20,000 Loan
Up to $5,000 in Property Tax Relief
Application Fee: Waived
Equity: None
Rate: Fixed at 0%
Term: Loans will be payable over 5 years and will be amortized over a period of 10 years.
3 | Page
Payment: Loan is deferred for 6 months upon approval of the loan agreement.
Forgivable: Up to $5,000 is eligible for forgiveness for property tax relief for taxes payable in 2020.
Lease or ownership documentation is required. Forgiveness for property tax relief will be granted if
the Borrower has met the reporting requirements listed below.
Extension: In the event the Borrower is unable to obtain conventional financing to replace the
Microloan at the end of five years, the loan may be extended up to two additional years at a market
rate of interest.
Collateral: Loans must be supported by sufficient collateral, which will include personal guarantees
and/or corporate guarantees.
Supporting Documentation:
1. Proof of ownership or signed lease.
2. Proof of submittal, acceptance, approval and/or denial of SBA and DEED loan
applications (not absolutely required)
3. Copy of page from business’s most recent federal tax return indicating gross receipts or
sales
4. A W-9 form (with signature)
5. Other supporting documentation you wish to provide to the EDA to assist in
understanding the applicant’s situation.
6. Narrative descriptions and estimated calculations of the negative impacts on the business
due to COVID-19
7. Description of costs to be paid with the proceeds of the loan
8. Narrative description of the plans for resuming operations following the COVID-19
crisis
Permitted Fund Uses:
Awarded funds may be used exclusively for current payroll obligations (may not include employees
who have been laid off), lease or mortgage payments, utilities, accounts payable, property taxes and
other critical business expenses that can’t be paid as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Awarded funds may not be used for business owner’s/manager’s personal uses or expenses.
Ineligible Fund Uses:
Assistance cannot be provided to businesses or nonprofits that:
1. Do not have a physical business address within the City of Elk River
2. Are home-based businesses
3. Derive income from passive investments without operational ties to operating businesses
4. Primarily generate income from gambling activities
5. Generate any part of its income from adult-oriented or tobacco/vaping-related activities
6. Have no current or historical financial statements
7. Previously received emergency funds from the EDA
Fund Availability:
4 | Page
Funds are granted on a first come, first serve basis and will be provided until the funds are exhausted
or the city-declared state of emergency declaration is lifted, whichever comes first.
Reporting:
As a condition for receiving funding, all recipients are required to submit a brief report to the EDA
within sixty (60 days of receiving funds, specifying how the funds were used and providing evidence
in the form of paid invoices, statements or similar documentation.
5 | Page
COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan
Program Application
Applicant Information
DBA - Legal Name of the Business: _______________________________________________
Sole Proprietorship Partnership Corporation LLC
Length of Time in
Business
Years
Months
Fed
Tax Id#
MN State
License
Mailing Address City Zip
Location Address City Zip
Business Phone ( ) Business Fax ( )
E-Mail Address Web Address
Contact Name Title
Is your business
currently registered
with the Minnesota
Secretary of State?
Is your business
currently in good
standing with the
Minnesota
Secretary of State?
Amount of Funding
Requested
$______ - Loan
$_______ -
Forgivable Loan
(Property Tax Relief)
Total number of employees: _______
The number of your employees
who have been impacted by the
Governor’s Executive Orders? _______
Was your business subject to the Governor’s Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08? How has
the Governor’s Executive Orders financially affected your business?
6 | Page
For what purpose will these funds be used? Please include proposed expenses up to the
total funding request. (For example: lease expenses for June ($2,000), payroll for
employees, utilities, etc).
Describe plans for resuming operations following the COVID-19 crisis.
Principal #1
Name DOB SS#
Address City ZIP
Percentage of Ownership ______%
Principal #2
Name DOB SS#
Address City ZIP
Percentage of Ownership ______%
Primary Lender
Name Phone Ref#
Address Fax
Contact Title
7 | Page
Eligible Applicants
All eligible business categories must be referenced in Governor Walz’s Executive Orders
(EO 20-04 and EO 20-08).
Must have a physical, commercial location, whether owned or leased, that is located in city
limits of Elk River, MN.
Must be registered with the Minnesota Secretary of State.
Must be current with Sherburne County property taxes.
Application Requirements
The "COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program" application must be
completed in its entirety by the applicant and submitted to:**
City of Elk River
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
Electronic submissions are also accepted to aothoudt@elkrivermn.gov
All loans will be subject to the EDA’s COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan
Program.**
Applications will be considered on by the Joint Finance Committee and acted on by the
EDA.**
The most recent federal tax return filed by the business indicating gross receipts of sales.
Income statements and balance sheets for the past year or current within 90 days, if the
business has been in business less than one year.
Proof of ownership or signed lease.**
Proof of submittal, acceptance, approval and/or denial of SBA and DEED loan applications
(not absolutely required).
A W-9 form (with signature).**
Other supporting information requested from staff to review eligibility.**
If funds are awarded, a brief report to the EDA within two months after receiving funds,
specifying how the funds were used and providing evidence in the form of paid invoices,
statements or similar documentation.**
**Only needed for property tax relief
Applicant Acknowledgement:
The applicant shall hold the EDA, its officers, consultants, attorneys, and agents harmless
from any and all claims arising from or in connection with the COVID-19 Small Business
Emergency Microloan Program or its application, including but not limited to, any legal or
actual violations of any state or federal laws.
The applicant recognizes and agrees that the EDA retains absolute authority and discretion
to decide whether or not to accept or deny any particular application, and that all
expenditures, obligations, costs, fees, or liabilities incurred by the Applicant in connection
with the application are incurred by the applicant at its sole risk and expense.
8 | Page
The applicant acknowledges that they have read the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency
Microloan Program guidelines and understands that if the application is approved for
funding, loan funds awarded must only be used to pay eligible expenses.
Data Privacy Notice: The city and the EDA are subject to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 (the
“Minnesota Government Data Practices Act”). The application shall become the property of the city
and/or EDA and is subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
LOAN PROGRAM POLICY
AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION
I declare that the information provided in this application and on the accompanying exhibits is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I agree to be bound by all terms and conditions of the COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program. The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority has the right to verify any information contained in this application, including credit reports on the individuals and the business, and may contact any individuals and institutions involved with the proposed project. The lenders named herein have the right to share information with the EDA, its Finance Committee and boards as is necessary to approve the application for its loan funds.
Signature/Title of Applicant: ___________________________________Date: ___________
Signature/Title of Applicant: _______________________ ____________Date: ___________
Applicants are encouraged to review the Governor’s Executive Orders 20-04 and 20-08 for
further definition and clarification of businesses that are or are not eligible for this COVID-
19 Small Business Emergency Microloan. The EDA retains final authority to determine if a
business is eligible or not, and whether to approve a loan or not.
For questions, call 763.635.1042 or cell at 763.218.2766 or email aothoudt@elkrivermn.gov.
COVID-19 Small Business Emergency Microloan Program
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
EDA 5/18/2020 7.2
Powered by Nature
Economic Development
Business Microloan Fund
Guidelines, Policy & Application
Amended: May 2011
November 2013
July 2014
November 2014
December 2016
April 2017
August 2017
May 2020
City of Elk River
Economic Development Division
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330
763.635.1040
Page 2 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
BUSINESS MICROLOAN FUND GUIDELINES, POLICY &
APPLICATION
1. POLICY PURPOSE
The Economic Development Authority for the city of Elk River (EDA) recognizes
the need to stimulate private sector investment into manufacturing and certain
commercial facilities and equipment in order to create new jobs, boost productivity
and retain existing jobs for local residents. Additionally, the need exists to encourage
investment in the expansion and/or rehabilitation of commercial and retail buildings
in order to maintain the economic viability of the city and in the Downtown District.
Subsequently, the purpose of this microloan program is to provide low interest, long-
term (i.e. greater than one year) loans as incentives for new industrial and
commercial development within the city of Elk River and to encourage commercial
and retail business owners in the Downtown District to rehabilitate their existing
buildings.
2. ELIGIBLE BUSINESSES
Any project located or proposed to be located within the city limits of Elk River as
defined by this microloan program, may be eligible for a Microloan as further
defined herein:
• Unless otherwise stated, business must be a for-profit corporation,
partnership, or sole proprietorship.
• Business must be a small business as defined by the Small Business
Administration (SBA).
• Religious, political, and pornographic enterprises are not eligible.
3. MICROLOAN FUND TERMS & CONDITIONS
Loan Structure
All Economic Development Microloans shall be structured as direct loans unless
otherwise approved by the EDA Finance Committee. If a participation loan is
requested, an agreement will be signed by the borrower, primary lender and the
EDA.
The EDA may require additional agreements to be signed by the borrower
(i.e. security agreement, personal guarantees, business subsidy agreement).
Simultaneous Microloans
The simultaneous use of different EDA microloan programs by any one borrower or
for any one project is prohibited.
Loan Repayment
Jobs Incentive funds, including principal and interest received may not be used to
support restaurant, retail, casinos, or sports facilities.
Page 3 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
Call of Loan
A loan shall become due and payable in full if a business relocates outside of the city
of Elk River prior to the maturity date of the loan.
Late Payment Charge
A late payment charge of 8% of the installment amount will be enforced following a
grace period of 10 calendar days.
4. REGULATION FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENTS
All buildings which public funds will be used for construction or renovation are to
be brought into conformance with city ordinances and state building codes.
5. LOAN SECURITY AND GUARANTEES
Applicant must be able to secure the loan by providing the EDA with a minimum of
a subordinate mortgage upon the building and/or assets or other approved collateral
equal to the amount of the loan.
Applicant must demonstrate the financial means to repay the loans, as determined by
the EDA.
Whenever possible, personal, corporate, and/or entity guarantees will be made part
of any loan agreement.
Key person life insurance may be required as determined by the EDA Finance
Committee based on loan amount and company ownership partners.
6. TIMING OF PROJECT EXPENSES
No project should commence until the EDA has approved the loan application.
Any costs incurred prior to the approval of the loan application are not eligible
expenditures.
No building construction should commence until the required city permits are
secured.
The applicant will be responsible for all legal, recording, and other fees required for
protection of a security interest in the loan, payable by a $2,000 processing fee, which
is paid at the time of application. In addition to the processing fee, all legal and filing
fees shall be paid by the borrower at loan closing.
Closing of the Microloan should be simultaneous with the borrower’s primary
funding. The EDA should be given two weeks’ notice before closing.
7. PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION AND APPROVAL
Page 4 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
1. All applicants shall first contact a primary lending institution to determine if
additional equity is needed, and if so, how much (if applicable).
2. The applicant shall then meet with city staff to obtain information about the
microloan program, discuss the project, and obtain application forms.
3. The applicant shall complete and submit an application form to the city, along
with a $2,000 processing fee. The fee is used to cover processing expenses and
any remaining funds will be returned to the applicant. The applicant must
provide evidence of their ability to meet the 10% equity requirements or provide
a letter of commitment for conventional financing from the primary lending
institution.
4. The EDA is a governmental entity and as such must provide public access to
public data it receives. Data deemed by Applicant to be nonpublic data under
State law should be so designated or marked by Applicant. See Minn. Sat.
Sections 13.59, Subd. 1, respectively.
5. The application will be reviewed by the city staff to determine if it conforms to
all city policies and ordinances and to consider the following:
a. The availability and applicability of other governmental grants and/or
microloan programs.
b. Whether the proposed project will result in conformance with building
and zoning codes.
c. Whether it is desirous and in the best interests of the public to provide
funding for the project.
6. The EDA Finance Committee and EDA Commissioners will review each
application in terms of its consistency with the goals of the city’s Comprehensive
Plan and Economic Development Strategic Plan and in relation to the project’s
overall impact on the community’s economy. Downtown Revitalization Loan
applications will also be reviewed by a Housing & Redevelopment Authority
Commissioner in conjunction with the EDA Finance Committee. Energy
Efficiency Improvement Loan applications will also be reviewed by an Energy
City Commissioner in conjunction with the EDA Finance Committee.
The EDA Finance Committee will evaluate the project application in terms of
the following:
a. Project Design - Evaluation of project design will include review of
proposed activities, time lines and a capacity to implement the project.
b. Financial Feasibility - Availability of funds, private involvement, financial
packaging and cost effectiveness.
• Appropriate ratio of private funds to Microloan funds.
• Sufficient cash flow to cover proposed debt service as demonstrated
Page 5 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
by financial statements and projections.
• Letter of Commitment from applicant pledging to complete the
project during proposed project duration, if the loan application is
approved.
• Letter of Commitment from other financing sources stating terms
and conditions of their participation in the project if applicable.
• Sufficient collateral.
c. All other information as required in the application and/or additional
information as may be requested by the Economic Development staff.
d. Project compliance with all city codes and policies.
e. Microloan Objectives - In addition to quality job and wage
creation/retention requirements, the applicant must meet all Microloan
Fund criteria and demonstrate how the proposed activities will meet at
least one of the following objectives:
• The project contributes to the fulfillment of the city’s approved and
adopted economic development and/or redevelopment plans.
• The project prevents or eliminates slums and blight.
• The project increases the local tax base.
• The project brings a structure into compliance with an existing
building code violation.
7. A written request for an extension shall be accompanied by a copy of current
financial statements and a $500 upfront processing fee. The processing fee is
used to cover processing expenses. The application for an extension beyond the
original term should include a letter of denial from a conventional lender.
8. The EDA Finance Committee will recommend the approval, denial, or request a
resubmission. A recommendation from the Finance Committee will be
forwarded to the EDA for recommendation of approval, denial to the City
Council for final action.
8. MICROLOAN POLICY REVIEW
The above criteria will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the policies
reflected in this document are consistent with the economic development goals set
forth by the city.
9. RIGHT OF REFUSAL
The EDA may deny any application if it is found not consistent with the goals of the
city’s Comprehensive Plan and Economic Development Strategic Plan and in
relation to the project’s overall impact on the community’s economy.
Page 6 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
10. COMPLIANCE WITH MN BUSINESS SUBSIDY LAW
All developers/businesses receiving financial assistance from the City of Elk River
shall be subject to the provisions and requirements set forth by the City’s Business
Subsidy Policy as amended and Minnesota Statutes Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995
(the “Minnesota Business Subsidy Law”) if applicable.
11. Agreement to Pay Costs of Review
It is the policy of the city of Elk River to require applicants to pay costs incurred by
the city in reviewing and acting upon applications, so that these costs are not borne
by the taxpayers of the city. These costs include all of the city’s out-of-pocket costs
for expenses, including the city’s costs for review of the application by the city’s
Financial Consultant and City Attorney, or other consultants, recording fees, and
necessary publication costs.
The application processing fees cover anticipated costs; costs incurred above the
application fee will be invoiced as they are incurred, and payment will be due within
thirty (30) days. Any unused portion of the application fee will be returned to the
applicant. If payment is not received as required by this agreement, the city may
suspend the application review process and may deny the application for failure to
comply with the requirements for processing the application. Payment for costs will
be required whether the application is granted or denied.
12. Microloan Programs
In order to meet the economic and community development objectives of the EDA,
five distinct microloan programs exist within the Business Microloan Fund.
Industrial Incentive Loan
Purpose: The purpose of the Industrial Incentive Loan is to encourage
industrial and high technology business development that supports
the tax base and brings quality jobs to the city.
Amount: Up to $200,000 of secondary financing not to exceed 20% of the
total project cost.
Remaining
Principal: Must have private-sector commitments for 50% of the project cost.
Borrower must provide 10% or more of project financing.
Rate: Fixed at 3%
Term: Loans must mature within 5 years, but must be amortized over a
longer period of time. The balloon payment must not be longer than
the balloon payment of the participating bank if applicable. Loans
may be amortized up to the following limits:
20 years on real estate uses;
Page 7 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
10 years on equipment uses.
Extension: In the event that the Borrower is unable to payoff the loan or
refinance the Microloan at the end of five years, the loan may be
extended up to two additional years at 3% interest.
Criteria: Borrower must be an industrial or high technology business and create
or retain one new full-time job for each $20,000 loaned within 2 years.
Said jobs must pay a minimum wage of $15.00 per hour excluding
benefits required by law. Loans of $75,000 or more shall meet the city
of Elk River Business Subsidy Policy for the creation of new jobs at a
minimum wage of $15.00 per hour excluding benefits required by law,
as well as a 5-year location requirement.
In the case where multiple sources of public financing are requested
(e.g. Microloan and Tax Increment Financing) job creation goals shall
not be double-counted.
Borrower must comply with the provisions of the city’s Industrial and
Business Park zoning ordinances as applicable.
Permitted Fund Uses:
a. Building construction
b. Land acquisition
c. Machinery
d. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)
e. Renovation and modernization of buildings
f. Public infrastructure needed for economic development expansions
g. Investment real estate with a minimum of 50% of the space pre-leased
Ineligible Fund Uses:
a. Expenditures for the construction and/or renovation of residential units
b. Inventory
c. Refinancing of existing debt
d. Working capital
Downtown Revitalization Financing Loan
Purpose: The Downtown Revitalization Financing Loan is available to business
and property owners in the Downtown Area primarily for the
rehabilitation and restoration of older buildings, as well as new business
development. Non-profit organizations may be considered. The
Downtown Area shall be described as that area in the attached in
Exhibit A.
Amount: Up to $74,999 of secondary financing not to exceed 20% of the total
Page 8 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
project cost.
Remaining
Principle: Must have private-sector commitments for 50% of the project cost.
Borrower must provide 10% or more of project cost.
Rate: Fixed at 3%.
Term: Financing with a balloon payment in up to 5-years. Loans may be
amortized up to the following limits:
20 years on real estate uses;
10 years on equipment uses.
Extension: In the event that the Borrower is unable to payoff the loan or
refinance the Microloan at the end of five years, the loan may be
extended up to two additional years at 3% interest.
Criteria: At a minimum, 20% of Microloan dollars must be used for the
improvement of the building façade, with exceptions to be considered
when it appears the façade improvements are not necessary. Financing
of leasehold improvements will be considered at a limit of $25,000.
Permitted Fund Uses:
a. Building construction
b. Renovation and modernization of buildings
c. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)
d. Exterior renovation of retail or commercial buildings
e. Financing of leasehold improvements including façade improvements
will be considered at a limit of $25,000
f. Expenditures for the construction and/or renovation of residential
units
Ineligible Fund Uses:
a. Inventory
b. Refinancing of existing debt
c. Working capital
Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan
Purpose: The Energy Efficiency Improvements Loan is available to property
owners of commercial or industrial buildings in Elk River to provide
low interest loans to businesses to invest in energy efficiency and
improve their profitability through reduced energy costs. In addition,
the microloan program helps the city of Elk River use energy
conservation as an economic development tool. Non-profit
organizations may be considered.
Amount: Applicants may apply for the cost of improvements up to $74,999
Page 9 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
Equity: Must have a minimum of 10% equity provided by the borrower.
Rate: Fixed at 3%
Term: The maximum maturity date of the loan will be determined by the
useful life of the improvement and the energy payback achieved as
determined by ERMU.
For projects that have a shorter length of payback (2-5) years as
calculated according to energy savings, the loans will have an initial
maturity of up to 5 years from the date of closing.
Longer life improvements (6-15 years) may apply for a longer
maturity of up to 10 years.
Criteria: Microloan funds shall be spent on energy efficiency improvements
outlined below or related building improvement costs
Applicant must agree to energy audits conducted under the utility
company’s Conservation Improvement Program (CIP). If warranted,
engineering studies then are performed on facilities with conservation
opportunities under the utility company’s CIP Program.
Energy efficiency is defined as improvements that are rebatable by
the Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) or the utility provider for
the property if not ERMU. Proposed energy efficiency improvements
that do not qualify for the utility’s prescriptive rebate program will be
reviewed and approved by the utility company servicing the upgrade
measures (e.g. Elk River Municipal Utilities, Connexus, CenterPoint)
along with a letter indicating eligible utility rebates.
Utility rebates as applicable will be assigned to the Elk River EDA
and applied toward principal repayment of the loan.
An Elk River Energy City Commission member will be asked to
participate in the EDA Finance Committee review.
The loans will be secured by personal and corporate guarantees, and
if applicable a lien on equipment financed and subordinate mortgage
on the property.
Installation must be certified through a licensed contractor and
electrician. New construction is eligible when participating with a
utility company rebate program. Eligible costs shall include only
incremental costs over industry design standards.
Permitted Fund Uses:
Page 10 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
a. Energy efficiency measures installed in or on a building include:
b. Facility systems optimization (commissioning/re-commissioning)
c. Facility systems control improvements
d. Process efficiency improvements (CenterPoint Energy)
e. Lighting efficiency improvements
f. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system modifications
g. Exterior envelope improvements
h. Motor and pump efficiency improvements
i. Ground-source heat pump systems used to heat or cool a facility
j. Installation of equipment or devices that use renewable energy sources to
generate electricity or heat or cool a building including solar electricity
(photovoltaic), wind turbine or solar thermal.
Ineligible Fund Uses:
a. Inventory
b. Refinancing of existing debt
c. Working capital
d. Expenditures for the construction and/or renovation of residential units
Micro-Brewery Loan
Purpose: The Micro-Brewery microloan is available to business and property
owners located within the city of Elk River.
Amount: Up to $74,999 of secondary financing not to exceed 20% of the
Total project cost.
Equity: Must have private-sector commitments for 50% of the project cost.
Borrower must provide 10% or more of project financing.
Rate: Fixed at 3%.
Term: Financing with a balloon payment in up to 5-years. Loans may be
amortized up to the following limits:
10 years on equipment uses
Extension: In the event that the Borrower is unable to obtain conventional
financing to replace the Microloan at the end of five years, the loan
may be extended up to two additional years at a market rate of
interest.
Criteria: At a minimum, 50% of Microloan dollars must be used for the
purchase of equipment.
Loans must be supported by sufficient collateral, which will include
personal guarantees.
Page 11 of 22 EDA & City Council Approved August 21, 2017
Permitted Fund Uses:
e. Renovation and modernization of buildings
f. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E)
g. Exterior renovation of retail or commercial buildings
h. Financing of leasehold improvements including façade improvements
will be considered at a limit of $25,000
Ineligible Fund Uses:
a. Inventory
b. Refinancing of existing debt
c. Working capital
Page 12 of 22
ELK RIVER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
MICROLOAN FUND APPLICATION
1. CONTACT INFORMATION
Legal Name of Business:
Project Site Address:
City / State / Zip
Contact Person(s)
Business Phone Fax
Home Phone Email
Check One: Proprietor Corporation Partnership
Federal ID # State ID #
2. NATURE OF LOAN REQUEST
Which Microloan Program are you applying for?
Industrial Incentive Loan
Downtown Revitalization Financing Loan
Energy Efficiency Improvement Loan
Micro-Brewery Loan
______ COVID-19 Small Business Loan
Amount Requested: $ Total Project Cost: $
Type of project: New construction for a start-up business
New construction for an existing business
On site expansion
Equipment purchase
Remodeling: (circle one) Commercial / Retail / Industrial
Other
Page 13 of 22
Please give a brief summary of your business and its products or service:
Please give a brief summary of the project:
Please describe how this loan will impact your project:
3. FINANCING
Project Costs
Land $
Site improvements $
Buildings (attach plans & costs) $
Equipment/Machinery/Fixtures
(attach list and estimated costs) $
Remodeling $
Industrial Inventory/Working Capital $
Other (attach description) $
Total Costs $
Comments:
Page 14 of 22
Proposed Sources of Financing
SOURCE NAME TERMS AMOUNT
Bank Loan __________ $_________
Bank Loan __________ $_________
Other Private Funds __________ $_________
Applicant Contribution $_________
Other __________ $_________
Fed Grant/Loan __________ $_________
State Grant/Loan __________ $_________
EDA Microloan __________ $_________
Tax Increment Financing $
Tax Abatement $
Total Financing $_________
Collateral Assignments
Lien
Description of Collateral Position
To Bank 1
To Bank 2
To Private Sources
To Other Sources
To Federal Govt
To State
To EDA Microloan
Page 15 of 22
Value of Collateral
Book Value Cost Existing Liens
Land $_________ $___________ $__________
Buildings $_________ $___________ $__________
Machinery & Equip. $_________ $___________ $__________
Other__________ $_________ $___________ $__________
Other__________ $_________ $___________ $__________
4. JOB & WAGE GOALS
Present # of Employees_____________ Total Payroll_____________
Jobs To Be Created*
Please provide the following information on jobs you expect to create within 2-years.
Job Title
Number
of Jobs
Average
Hourly
Wage
Annual
Salary
Are the Jobs
Permanent or
Temporary?
Expected
Hiring
Date
*If loan is for job retention only, please explain in Business Plan.
Microloan Program Objectives
(Check all that apply)
_____ The project contributes to the fulfillment of the city’s approved and adopted
economic development and/or redevelopment plans.
_____ The project prevents or eliminates slums and blight.
_____ The project increases the local tax base.
_____ The project brings a structure into compliance with an existing building code
violation.
Page 16 of 22
5. PROJECT CONTACTS
Attorney
Name
Address
Phone ______
Accountant
Name ______
Address
Phone
Financing Sources (lenders, partners, etc…)
Name ______
Address
Phone
Name ______
Address
Phone
Parent Company
Name ______
Address
Phone
Others
Name ______
Address
Phone
Name ______
Address
Phone
Page 17 of 22
6. ATTACHMENTS CHECK LIST
Please attach the following:
______A) Written Business Plan:
1. Description of Business
2. Ownership
3. Management
4. Date Established
5. Products/Services
6. Future Plans
_______B) Financial Statements for Past Three Years and Year to Date
1. Profit & Loss Statements
2. Balance Sheets
_______C) Financial Projections for up to Three Years
_______D) A Project Proforma to include:
1. Projected revenues,
2. Operating expenses,
3. Net Operating Income, and
4. Annual Debt Service and Loan Payments.
_______D) Resume of Owner/Management
_______E) Personal Financial Statements of Proprietor, Partners,
Guarantors
_______F) Letter of Commitment from Applicant Pledging to Complete
During the Proposed Project Duration
_______G) Letter of Commitment from the Other Sources of Financing,
Stating Terms and Conditions of their Participation in
Project
_______H) Processing Fee of $2,000 (Waived for COVI-19 Small Business Loan)
Page 18 of 22
7. AGREEMENT
I / We certify that all information provided in this application is true and correct to the best
of my/our knowledge. I / We authorize the city of Elk River and the Finance Committee to
check credit references and verify financial and other information. I / We agree to provide
any additional information as may be requested by the city and the Finance Committee.
The undersigned has received the city’s policy regarding the payment of costs of review,
understands that reimbursement to the city of costs incurred in reviewing the application will
be required, agrees to reimburse the city as required in the policy and make payment when
billed by the city, and agrees that the application may be denied for failure to reimburse the
city for costs as provided in the policy.
APPLICANT SIGNATURE _______
BY
DATE
Page 19 of 22
Exhibit A: Downtown Area
Page 20 of 22
MICROLOAN APPLICATION SCORING WORKSHEET
1. The project meets the criteria set forth in the appropriate the Microloan policy.
a) Meets at least one of the microloan objectives in Section 7; 6(e).
c) Consistent with all city plans and ordinances.
d) Meets the wage requirements as defined in the city’s business subsidy policy.
2. Ratio of Private to All Public Investment in Project: Points: _____
$ Private Investment 5:1 5
$ Public Investment 4:1 4
Ratio Private: Public Financing 3:1 3
2:1 2
Less than 2:1 1
3. Job Creation in the City of Elk River: Points: _____
Number of new jobs as a result of the project. 25+ 5
Number of existing/retained jobs 20+ 4
Total 15+ 3
10+ 2
Less than 10 1
4. Ratio of Public Investment to Job Creation: Points: _____
$ Public Investment $8,000 or less 5
Number of new jobs created/retained $10,000 or less 4
$ of Public Investment per new job $12,000 or less 3
$15,000 or less 2
Over $15,000 1
5. Wage Level of jobs created/retained or relocated Points: _____
Minimum hourly wage Over $21/ hour 5
of jobs created/retained: $18-21 / hour 4
$15 / hour 3
6. Project size: Points: _____
The project will result in the construction 40,000+ 5
of square feet 30,000+ 4
20,000+ 3
10,000+ 2
10,000 or less 1
TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY STAFF
Page 21 of 22
7. Market Value/Tax Base Generation: Points: _____
The project will result in a per square foot Industrial Commercial
estimated market value (land and building) $80/sf+ $110/sf+ 5
of $70/sf+ $100/sf+ 4
$60/sf+ $90/sf+ 3
$50/sf+ $80/sf+ 2
$40/sf+ $70/sf+ 1
8. Type of Project: Points: _____
100% Owner Occupied 5
Mix Owner Occupied & Investment 4
Investment Property 3
9. Use: Points: _____
Industrial or Business Park Project 5
Commercial/Retail Rehabilitation/Redevelopment 4
______ Downtown Revitalization or Microbrew 3
10. Likelihood that the project will result in Points: _____
unsubsidized, spin-off development. High 5
Moderate 3
Low 1
11. Point Adjustments Point Adjustments:
The project contributes to the goals of Energy City. 5 points
• Product promotes sensible use of energy, OR
• Project utilizes significant energy efficient design &/or
materials in construction.
Sub - Total Points: of a possible 45 points.
Total Points:
Overall project desirability: High 50-35 points
Moderate 34-29 points
Low 28-20 points
Not Eligible 19-0 points
Page 22 of 22
1
Economic
Development
Energy Incentive
Program Policy
2
Elk River Economic Development
Energy Incentive Program
Guidelines, Policy & Application
1. Policy Purpose
The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the City of Elk
River (City) maintain a goal to stimulate private sector investment for new job
creation and tax base growth. The Energy Incentive Program offers a savings to
qualified applicants on their Elk River Municipal Utilities (ERMU) electric bills for
up to two years.
2. Eligible Businesses
Projects located or proposed to be located within the city limits of the City may be
eligible for the program as further defined herein:
Unless otherwise stated, business must be a for-profit corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, or sole proprietorship.
Business must be a small business as defined by the Small Business
Administration.
Only new construction projects qualify.
Peak electric demand greater than 50kW per month.
Located within eligible ERMU area.
.
The creation of at least 50 new jobs at ≥ $18.00 per hour
Calculated Economic Output of $10 million through Implan software
(information provided by Sherburne County)
Project must generate a least $80,000 in total annual property taxes.
Religious, political, and pornographic enterprises are not eligible.
3. Regulation for New Construction and Improvements
All buildings which public funds will be used for construction are to conform to city
code and ordinances and state building codes.
4. Timing of Project Expenses
No project shall commence without city council approval of the application. Any
costs incurred prior to the approval of the application are not eligible expenditures.
No building construction should commence until the required permits are secured.
The applicant will be responsible for all legal, recording, and other fees payable by a
$2,000 processing fee, which is paid at the time of application. In addition to the
processing fee, all legal and filing fees shall be paid by the applicant.
3
5. Procedural Guidelines for Application and Approval
1. The applicant shall obtain information about the Energy Incentive Program and
application from the City.
2. The applicant shall complete and submit an application along with a $2,000
processing fee. The fee covers processing expenses. Any remaining funds will be
returned to the applicant. The applicant must provide a letter of commitment for
constructing the project.
3. The EDA and the City are a governmental entities and must provide access to
public data received in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data
Practices Act, (Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 13) (the “Minnesota Data Practices
Act”). The information provided in an application to the EDA and the City will
be used to assess eligibility for financial assistance. The EDA and the City will
not be able to process an application without this information. The Minnesota
Government Data Practices Act governs whether the information that you are
providing to the EDA is public or private. If financial assistance is provided for
the project, the information submitted in connection with your application will
become public, except for those items protected under Minnesota Statutes,
Section 13.59, Subdivision 3(b) or Section 13.591, Subdivision 2. Data deemed
by the applicant to be nonpublic data under state law should be so designated or
marked by the applicant. See Minn. Stat. Sections 13.59, Subd. 1, respectively.
4. The application will be reviewed to determine conformity to all City policies and
ordinances and to consider the following:
a. The availability and applicability of other governmental grants and/or
microloan programs.
b. Whether the proposed project will result in conformance with building
and zoning codes.
c. Whether it is desirous and in the best interests of the public to provide
incentives and/or funding for the project.
5. The Joint Finance Committee of the EDA and EDA Commissioners will review
each application for compliance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Economic
Development Strategic Plan and the goals, requirements and intent of this policy.
The EDA Finance Committee will also evaluate the project application in terms
of the following:
a. Project Design - Evaluation of project design will include review of
proposed activities, time lines and a capacity to implement the project.
b. Letter of Commitment from applicant pledging to complete the project
during proposed project duration, if the application is approved.
c. Project compliance with all City codes, ordinances and policies.
d. Quality job and wage creation requirements of at least 50 new jobs at a
minimum hourly wage of $18.00.
e. Peak electric demand greater than 50kW per month.
4
f. Located within eligible ERMU area.
g. Calculated economic output of $10 million through Implan software
(information provided by Sherburne County)
h. Project generates a minimum of $80,000 in total annual property taxes
i. The project contributes to the fulfillment of the City’s approved and
adopted economic development and/or redevelopment plans.
j. All other information as required in the application and/or additional
information as may be requested by the economic development staff, in
its sole discretion.
6. The EDA Finance Committee will recommend the approval, denial, or request a
resubmission. A recommendation from the Finance Committee will be
forwarded to the EDA for recommendation of approval, denial to the City
Council for final action.
6. Policy Review
The above criteria will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that the policies
reflected in this document are consistent with the economic development goals set
forth by the City.
7. Right of Refusal
The EDA shall deny any application found inconsistent with the goals of the city’s
Comprehensive Plan and Economic Development Strategic Plan and intent,
requirement and goals of this policy. The City Council shall have final authority to
review the application and will make the final determination as to whether the
assistance shall be granted. The EDA and the City reserve the right to approve or
reject projects on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration established policies.
Meeting policy criteria does not guarantee the award of assistance to the project.
Approval or denial of one project is not intended to set precedent for approval or
denial of another project.
8. Compliance with the Minnesota Business Subsidy Law
All developers/businesses receiving financial assistance from the City shall be subject
to the provisions and requirements set forth by the City’s Business Subsidy Policy as
amended and Minnesota Statutes, Sections 116J.993 to 116J.995 (the “Minnesota
Business Subsidy Law”) if applicable, including entering into a business subsidy
agreement if necessary.
5
9. Compliance with the ERMU Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) and
Other Donations to the City of Elk River Policy
Elk River Municipal Utilities was purchased by the City in 1945 and separate
governance was created in 1947. It is typical for a municipal utility to provide a
PILOT regardless of the separation of governance. The PILOT is calculated based
on eligible electric sales within the City.
As an economic development incentive option, the City agrees to waive the
applicable PILOT for an approved applicant and redirect that amount as a credit
distributed through the applicant’s monthly ERMU electric service bill for up to two
years. The amount of the incentive shall be determined by ERMU in its sole
discretion in consultation with the City.
For the applicant to be eligible for this incentive, the business must be located within
an area of the ERMU electric service territory in which the electric sales are included
in the calculation for the PILOT to the City. And for the applicant to be eligible, the
project must meet all other applicable prevision of the ERMU PILOT policy; the
City must be eligible to receive PILOT for the location to be able to waive PILOT
for the project.
10. Form of Assistance; Repayment
The incentive will be provided over a period of 2 years starting after the City issues a
certificate of occupancy for the project. If the business owner fails to create the
number of jobs as set forth in its application within 2 years of the issuance of a
certificate of occupancy, the business may be required to repay the amount of
assistance provided if required by applicable law.
11. Agreement to Pay Costs of Review
City and EDA policy requires applicants to pay all costs incurred by the city to
review and act upon applications so that these costs are not borne by the taxpayers.
These costs include all of the city’s out-of-pocket costs for expenses, including the
City’s and the EDA’s costs for review of the application by the City’s and EDA’s
financial advisor, attorney, other consultants, recording fees, and necessary
publication costs.
The application processing fees cover anticipated costs; costs incurred above the
application fee will be invoiced as they are incurred and payment will be due within
thirty (30) days. Any unused portion of the application fee will be returned to the
applicant. If payment is not received as required by this agreement, the city may
suspend the application review process and may deny the application for failure to
comply with the requirements for processing the application. Payment for costs will
be required whether the application is granted or denied.
6
Elk River Economic Development
Energy Incentive Program Application
1. Contact Information
Legal Name of Business:
Project Site Address:
City / State / Zip
Contact Person(s)
Business Phone Fax
Home Phone Email
Check One: Proprietor Corporation Partnership
Federal ID # State ID #
2. Nature of Request
Please give a brief summary of your business and its products or service:
Please give a brief summary of the project:
Please describe how this program will impact your project:
7
3. Proposed Peak Electric Demand and Energy Usage
4. Job & Wage Goals
Jobs to be Created*
Please provide the following information on jobs you expect to create within 2-years.
Job Title
Number
of Jobs
Average
Hourly
Wage
Annual
Salary
Are the Jobs
Permanent or
Temporary?
Expected
Hiring
Date
8
5. Project Contacts
Attorney
Name
Address
Phone
Accountant
Name
Address
Phone
Financing Sources (lenders, partners, etc…)
Name
Address
Phone
Name
Address
Phone
Parent Company
Name
Address
Phone
Others
Name
Address
Phone
Name ______
Address
Phone
9
6. Attachment Checklist
Please attach the following:
______ A) Application
______ B) Projected Electric Usage as calculated by ERMU
______ C) Economic Impact Analysis (from Sherburne County)
______ D) Certificate of Good Standing and Applicant’s Organizational
Documents (for example, articles of incorporation and bylaws)
______ E) Resume of Owner/Management
______ F) Letter of Commitment from Applicant Pledging to Complete
During the Proposed Project Duration
______ G) Processing Fee of $2,000
10
7. AGREEMENT
I/We certify that all information provided in this application is true and correct to the best
of my/our knowledge. I/We authorize the city of Elk River and the Finance Committee to
check credit references and verify financial and other information. I/We agree to provide
any additional information as may be requested by the city and the Finance Committee.
The undersigned has received the city’s policy regarding the payment of costs of review,
understands that reimbursement to the city of costs incurred in reviewing the application will
be required, agrees to reimburse the city as required in the policy and make payment when
billed by the city, and agrees that the application may be denied for failure to reimburse the
city for costs as provided in the policy.
APPLICANT SIGNATURE
BY
DATE
11
APPLICATION SCORING WORKSHEET
1. The project meets the criteria set forth in the Energy Incentive policy.
a) Meets the objectives of the program
c) Consistent with all city plans and ordinances.
d) Meets the wage requirements as defined in the city’s business subsidy policy.
2. Job Creation in the City of Elk River: Points: _____
Number of new jobs as a result of the project. 50+ 5
Total Less than 50 0
3. Wage Level of jobs created/retained or relocated Points: _____
Minimum hourly wage Over $21/ hour 5
of jobs created/retained: $19-20 / hour 4
$18 / hour 3
4. Project size: Points: _____
The project will result in the construction 50,000+ 5
of square feet 40,000+ 4
30,000+ 3
5. Tax Base Generation: Points: _____
The project will result in the annual estimated
Tax Base Generation $100,000+ 5
of $90,000+ 4
$80,000+ 3
Sub - Total Points: _____________of a possible 20 points.
TO BE COMPLETED BY CITY STAFF
12
6. Bonus Points Point Adjustments:
The project contributes to the goals of Energy City. 3 points
• Product promotes sensible use of energy, OR
• Project utilizes significant energy efficient design &/or materials in construction.
Total Points:
Overall project desirability: High 20-23 points
Moderate 18-19 points
Low 12-17 points
Not Eligible 0-11 points
13
Economic Development Energy Incentive Program
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
EDA January 22, 2019 7.7
1
Tax Increment
Financing Policy
2
Tax Increment Financing Policy
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure development receiving Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) is consistent with the long-term city Comprehensive Plan, Strategic Plan, Mississippi
Connections Plan and/or most recent Housing Study. This is a guide for processing and review
of TIF applications. The City of Elk River shall utilize TIF to encourage desirable
development or redevelopment that would not otherwise occur but for TIF.
The city is empowered to utilize TIF by the Minnesota Tax Increment Financing Act, as
amended in Minnesota Statutes 469-174 through 469-1794. The city provides the minimum
amount of TIF at the shortest term required for a project to proceed. The city reserves the
right to approve or reject projects on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration
established policies, project criteria, and demand on city services in relation to the potential
benefits from the project. Projects meeting policy criteria are not guaranteed the award of
TIF. Approval or denial of a certain project is not a precedent for approval or denial of
another project.
The City Council and Economic Development Authority and the Housing and
Redevelopment Authority can deviate from this policy for projects that supersede the
objectives identified herein.
Authority
Minnesota Statutes 469-174 through 469-1794 govern the use of TIF and exceed any issues
that conflict with this policy.
Public Purpose
The City of Elk River will consider TIF for projects that achieve one or more of the
following:
1. Demonstrate long-term benefits to the community.
2. Retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of jobs that offer stable
employment and/or attractive wages and benefits through:
Diversification of the local economy
Significant addition of permanent, high-wage, full-time jobs
Addition of jobs attractive to those unemployed or underemployed
3. Significantly increases the city’s commercial and industrial tax base.
3
4. Demonstrates the ability to encourage unsubsidized private development through
“spin off” development.
5. Facilitates the development process and achieves development on sites that would
not develop “but for” the use of TIF.
6. Removes blight and/or encourages redevelopment of commercial and industrial
areas resulting in high quality redevelopment and private reinvestment.
7. Offsets redevelopment costs (i.e. contaminated site cleanup) over and above the
costs normally incurred in development.
8. Aids the implementation of the Mississippi Connections Plan.
Policy Statements
1. The primary intent of TIF is direct funding for public improvements and secondarily
for developer assistance.
2. The use of TIF shall be in accordance with state law. The more restrictive language
will apply when a conflict exists between this policy and state law.
3. Projects must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and/or the Mississippi
Connections Plan.
4. Projects must be consistent with the Strategic Plan for Economic Development
and/or the most recent Housing Study.
5. Preferred projects promote the completion of major public improvement projects
within the city such as the installation of trunk sewer and water lines and major
transportation projects.
6. The level of assistance provided will be determined on a case-by-case basis as
referenced in Public Purpose.
Based on the extent to which the project achieves the policy statements (1-6 above), the city
will consider TIF for projects in the following categories:
Manufacturing
Major office warehouse/production facilities
Research and development
Commercial projects encouraging substantial redevelopment of substandard
properties
Housing needs identified in the most recent city housing study
4
1. Assistance for TIF is required to meet the uses identified by statute including, but not
limited to the following:
Public improvements
Land acquisition and land write down
Loans
Site preparation and improvement
Demolition
Legal, administration, and engineering
2. The preferred method of TIF is pay-as-you-go for eligible costs as reimbursement,
upfront financing maybe considered on a case-by-case basis.
3. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of any tax increment received from the district
shall be retained by the city to reimburse administrative costs.
4. All TIF assistance must be accompanied by a signed development agreement
including a minimum assessment value. The developer must provide additional
financing guarantees to ensure completion of the project, including, but not limited
to: letters of credit, personal guarantees, corporate guarantees, etc.
5. TIF District’s shall be limited to the minimum term necessary to meet the project
needs. Only projects exceeding the objectives identified in this policy will be
considered to exceed the following general thresholds:
Redevelopment District 15 Years (Max is 26)
Housing District 15 Years (Max is 26)
Soils Condition District 15 Years (Max is 21)
Renewal and Renovation District 10 Years (Max is 16)
Economic Development District 8 Years (Max is 9)
6. Policy Considerations
Each project is required to meet the “but-for” test to determine the need for and
level of assistance. This test and the amount of tax increment generated
determines the district’s term. It is difficult to facilitate a redevelopment, housing
or soils condition district for less than the maximum term as the extraordinary
costs involved are usually significant.
The term of the district could coincide with the amount of tax increment the city
has to spend on its priorities within a project area.
Of all the TIF districts, the Economic Development District is most often the
one limited to a lesser term. Economic Development Districts are really
“incentive” districts where it is not so much the extraordinary costs as it is an
“incentive” to get a business to locate in a community. In the other districts, the
costs are easily identifiable and usually significant such as demolition, relocation,
environmental remediation, and the cost differential between market rate and
income/rent restricted housing.
5
7. Developers receiving TIF assistance shall provide a minimum of ten percent (10%)
cash equity investment in the project. TIF will not be used to supplant cash equity.
8. TIF will not be used in circumstances where land and/or property price is in excess
of fair market value. A third-party appraiser agreed upon by the city and developer
will determine the fair market value of the land.
9. The developer shall demonstrate a market demand for a proposed project. TIF shall
not be used to support purely speculative projects.
10. The developer shall adequately demonstrate, to the city’s sole satisfaction, an ability
to complete the proposed project based on past development experience, general
reputation, and credit history, among other factors, including the size and scope of
the proposed project.
11. For the purposes of underwriting the proposal, the developer shall provide any
requested market, financial, environmental, or other data requested by the city or its
consultants.
12. The city of Elk River shall only use TIF to encourage economic growth and
development within the city limits.
Application Process
1. Applicant submits a complete application and a $10,000 application deposit by the
first Monday of the month. The application deposit will be used toward the cost of
services provided in the evaluation of financial feasibility, establishment or
modification of the district, and preparation of legal documents and agreements. An
additional deposit of $10,000 shall be required for projects requiring statutory
redevelopment substandard tests. The applicant shall reimburse the city for
professional services in excess of the initial deposit. Deposit portions not utilized
shall be refunded.
2. City staff reviews the application for completeness and submits the application to the
city’s financial consultant for review and preparation of a financial analysis.
3. The Joint Finance Committee shall review the proposal’s financial strength and make
a recommendation to the appropriate commission with findings of fact.
4. The appropriate authority reviews the proposal and the recommendation to
determine conformance with this policy. The authority makes a recommendation to
the City Council.
5. After meeting the statutory requirements for establishing the Tax Increment District,
the City Council holds a Public Hearing and takes action on the proposal
(Approximately 45-60 days).
6
APPLICATION FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
A. APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name of Entity
Address
Primary Contact
Address
Phone Fax Email
Brief description of the entity business, including history, principal product or service:
Brief description of the proposed project:
Attorney Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
Accountant Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
Contractor Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
Engineer Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
Architect Name
Address
Phone Fax Email
7
B. PROJECT INFORMATION
1. The project will be:
_____ Redevelopment District
_____ Housing District
_____ Soils Condition District
_____ Renewal and Renovation District
_____ Economic Development District
2. The project will be: ___Owner Occupied ____Leased Space
3. Project Address
Legal Description & Parcel Identification Number(s)
4. Site Plan and Preliminary Construction Plans Attached: ____ Yes ____ No
5. Amount of Tax Increment Requested for:
Land Purchase $
Public Improvement $
Site Improvement $
6. Current Real Estate Taxes on Project Site: $
Estimated Real Estate Taxes upon Completion: Phase I $
Phase II $
7. Construction Start Date:
Construction Completion Date:
If Phased Project: Year ____ % Completed
Year ___ % Completed
8
C. PUBLIC PURPOSE
It is the policy of the City of Elk River that the use of Tax Increment Financing should result in a
benefit to the public. Please indicate how this project will serve a public purpose.
_____ Job Creation/Retention:
_____ Number of existing jobs
_____ Number of jobs created by project
_____ Average hourly wage of jobs created/retained
_____ New industrial development, which will result in additional private investment in the area.
_____ Enhancement or diversification of the city’s economic base.
_____ The project contributes to the fulfillment of the City’s Plan.
_____ Removal of blight or the rehabilitation of a high profile or priority site.
_____ Significantly increase the City’s tax base.
_____ Other:
9
D. SOURCES & USES
SOURCES NAME AMOUNT
Bank Loan $
Other Private Funds $
Owner Cash Equity $
Fed Grant/Loan $
State Grant/Loan $
EDA Micro Loan $
Tax Increment $
ID Bonds $
TOTAL $
USES AMOUNT
Land Acquisition $
Site Development $
Construction $
Machinery & Equipment $
Architectural & Engineering Fees $
Legal Fees $
Interest During Construction $
Debt Service Reserve $
Contingencies $
TOTAL $
10
E. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION AND CHECKLIST
Applicants will also be required to provide the following documentation.
_____A) Written business plan, including a description of the business,
ownership/management, date established, products and services, and future
plans
_____B) Financial Statements for Past Two Years
Profit & Loss Statement
Balance Sheet
_____C) Current Financial Statements
Profit & Loss Statement to Date
Balance Sheet to Date
_____D) Two Year Financial Projections
_____E) Personal Financial Statements of all Major Shareholders
Current Tax Return
_____F) Letter of Commitment from Applicant Pledging to Complete
During the Proposed Project Timeline
_____G) Letter of Commitment from the Other Sources of Financing,
Stating Terms and Conditions of their Participation in
Project
_____H) Application deposit of $10,000, with any unused portion to be refunded.
_____ I) Construction Plans and Itemized Project Construction Statement
_____J) Attach the following documentation as Exhibits
Exhibit A – Entity Documents
Exhibit B – Description of Project
Exhibit C – List of Shareholders/Partners
Exhibit D – But-For Analysis
Exhibit E – List of Prospective Lessees
Exhibit F – Legal Description and PID Number(s)
Note: All Major shareholders will be required to sign personal guarantees if up front financing of the
project is required.
11
The undersigned certifies that all information provided in this application is true and correct to the best of the
undersigned’s knowledge. The undersigned authorizes the City of Elk River to check credit references and verify
financial and other information. The undersigned also agrees to provide any additional information as may be requested
by the City after the filing of this application.
Applicant Name Date
12
Tax Increment Financing
Policy History
Adopted by: On (date) Item #
City Council 12/4/2017
EDA 11/20/2017
HRA 11/6/2017
Revolving Loan Fund
City of Hastings Economic Development
PROGRAM INFORMATION, GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
City of Hastings
101 4th Street East, Hastings, MN 55033-1955
T: 651-480-2350 F: 651-437-7082
www.hastingsmn.gov
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 1
CITY OF HASTINGS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT REVOLVING LOAN FUND
PROGRAM INFORMATION, GUIDELINES AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
SECTION 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS
A. Purpose
The Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority recognizes the need to stimulate
private sector investment in order to create and retain jobs, increase the overall tax base, and encourage
investment, expansion, and rehabilitation of commercial and retail buildings. The purpose of the
Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund is to provide financial assistance to companies in the City
of Hastings that do not have the ability to receive adequate funding for business growth through
traditional or private means. The ED RLF is meant to serve as a bridge between the amount the borrower
can obtain on the private market or through equity and the amount needed to start or grow a business.
B. Funding Amount
The maximum amount of a loan from this program is $150,000. Working Capital loans are capped at
$25,000. Any fund requests that exceed program guidelines must receive special approval by HEDRA.
SECTION 2: ELIGIBILITY CONSIDERATIONS
A. Area
The area served by the RLF program shall be within the limits of the City of Hastings, whose boundaries
may change as growth and annexations of new properties take place naturally over time. Applications
from companies located outside the city limits that have facilities within the city may be allowed to apply,
as long as the funds will be used AND the jobs created only at the Hastings facility.
B. Eligible Activities
a. Working capital
b. Acquisition of land and buildings
c. New construction
d. Facade and building renovation
e. Purchase and installation of machinery and equipment
f. Clearance, demolition, or removal of structures
g. Infrastructure improvements necessary to support new or expanding businesses
C. Ineligible Activities
a. Refinancing or consolidating existing debt
b. Reimbursement for expenditures prior to loan approval
c. Specialized equipment that is not essential to the business operation
d. Residential building construction or reconstruction (unless such construction is intended to
convert building to a business or industrial operation)
e. Routine maintenance
f. Professional services
g. Line of Credit
h. HEDRA reserves the right to limit the ED RLF to businesses operating in accordance to the goals
and objectives of the city.
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 2
D. Timing of Project Expenses
No project should commence until HEDRA has approved the loan application. Any costs incurred prior to
the approval of the loan application are generally not eligible expenditures.
E. Priorities
a. Priority will be given to projects which include one or more of the following:
i. Job Creation, specifically jobs paying a livable wage
ii. Job Retention
iii. A beneficial impact on the Vermillion Street Corridor
iv. A beneficial impact on the Industrial Park
v. A beneficial impact to Downtown Hastings
vi. Increase in property valuation
b. The RLF program is an Equal Opportunity Lender and will not discriminate based on gender,
race, religion, sexual preference, age, etc. in its loan decisions.
SECTION 3: TERMS AND CONDITIONS
A. Financing Methods
Upon proof of owner’s 10% equity share, RLF dollars shall not exceed 50% of total project cost.
B. Financing Policy
Up to 100% of the RLF dollars may be used for fixed asset financing, however no more than 30% of RLF
dollars may be used for working capital loans.
C. Terms
a. The loan is payment and interest free for the first year. An interest rate of 0.25% above the prime
rate will be assessed on the loan balance at the beginning of loan term. The interest rate will be
adjusted to reflect any changes in the prime rate at the beginning of year three, and every two
years after until the loan is paid in full.
b. The term of the loans may vary according to the type of the project, use of funds, cash flow
needs, etc. However, the maximum loan terms shall be the following:
i. Real Estate: 15 years
ii. Machinery & Equipment: 10 years
iii. Working Capital: 3 years
c. In order to allow for flexibility, changes in loan terms and conditions may be determined based
on project need and/or the beneficial impacts of the project, as approved by HEDRA.
D. Fees
A 1% origination fee for the loan will be required. The applicant will be responsible for all legal, title
insurance, recording, and other fees required for the protection of a securing interest in the loan. All legal
and filing fees shall be paid by the borrower at loan closing.
E. Collateral
a. The City of Hastings shall have first position lien on real property and/or machinery and
equipment financed by the RLF, unless the need to subordinate to another lender is demonstrated.
b. Whenever possible, personal guarantees will be made part of any loan agreement.
c. Other conditions, including title insurance, or performance standards or penalties may be required
depending on the circumstances of the proposed project.
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 3
SECTION 4: APPLICATION PROCEDURES
A. Preliminary Meeting
Prior to submission of an application, the potential applicant shall meet with ED staff to discuss the
proposed project and program requirements.
B. Application Format
Applicants shall submit a loan application package consisting of the following:
a. Completed RLF Application form, including requested attachments
b. A Business Plan
c. Documentation and/or Statement of Need for RLF involvement in the project
d. Commitment Letters (equity, private funding, etc.)
C. Application Submittal
The completed application and all required attachments shall be submitted to:
John Hinzman, Community Development Director
101 4th Street East
Hastings, MN 55033
jhinzman@hastingsmn.gov
Please note, acceptance of applications is subject to the availability of RLF dollars.
SECTION 5: REVIEW PROCESS
A. Staff Review
The ED staff shall the review the application for completeness and verification that the proposed project
meets the standards and eligibility requirements of the program. Once a complete application is analyzed,
ED staff will prepare a recommendation to HEDRA.
B. City Compliance
All projects must be in compliance with all city codes and/or necessary permits before any funds are
disbursed.
C. Credit Check
The ED staff will perform a credit check on both the company’s principals and the business.
D. Negotiation of Terms
Upon completion of the application review with a favorable recommendation, the ED staff will meet with
the applicant to negotiate terms, including loan amount, interest rate, term of loan, collateral pledged, title
requirements, and repayment schedule. The agreed upon terms will be part of the loan package
recommendation presented to HEDRA.
E. Formal Review
HEDRA will meet to formally review the application and staff recommendations. Applicants are
encouraged to attend the meeting to provide additional information and/or answer any questions by
committee members.
F. Notice of Award/Denial of Application
If the application is approved and negotiation of terms are agreed upon, the applicant will be sent a notice
of award letter. The notice letter will have a timeline of when loan documents should be completed and a
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 4
suggested loan closure date. If the application is not approved, the applicant will be sent a letter of denial
stating the reason for denial.
SECTION 6: DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO APPROVED APPLICANTS
A. Loan Agreement
Prior to the city’s distribution of RLF funds, all appropriate documentation, including loan agreement,
promissory note, repayment schedule, security instruments, personal guaranty, and any others deemed
appropriate, shall be prepared and executed.
B. Evidence of Expenditures
The business must provide documentation related to RLF fund expenditures prior to the release of RLF
funds. Documentation may include invoices, receipts, final bills of sale, cancelled checks, or other
documentation as deemed appropriate by ED staff.
SECTION 7: ADDITIONAL REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
A. Job Creation & Retention
The loan recipient will be required to complete documentation, on an annual basis, that details the number
of jobs created and/or retained.
B. Property Valuation
Property valuation will be completed at time of project completion.
C. Leverage Commitments
The loan recipient will be required to provide documentation detailing the use of funds committed for
leveraging. Documentation may include invoices, receipts, final bills of sale, cancelled checks, or other
documentation as deemed appropriate by ED staff.
SECTION 8: REPAYMENTS AND DEFAULT
A. Repayments
All payments are due within 30 days of the billing date.
B. Prepayment of Loan
There is no prepayment penalty.
C. Late Payments
Any payments not paid within ten (10) days of the due date will pay a late fee equal to 5% of the amount
of the installment due. Loan recipient will be contacted by HEDRA staff requesting the account is
brought current. After sixty (60) days, HEDRA staff will send a letter requesting full remittance of late
payments.
D. Default
Failure by the business to make any payment of principal or interest within ninety (90) days after payment
is due and payable or as otherwise required in the loan documents shall be considered a default. In the
event of a default, all sums due and owing to the city shall, at the city’s option, become immediately due
and payable. The business will receive a written notice specifying the following:
a. The default.
b. The action required to cure the default.
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 5
c. The date, not less than sixty (60) days from the date of the notice, by which the default must be
fully satisfied to avoid foreclosure or other collective action.
E. Call of Loan
A loan may become due and payable in full if a business relocates outside of the city of Hastings prior to
the maturity date of the loan.
SECTION 9: PROJECT & LOAN CLOSURE REQUIREMENTS
A. Project Closeout
Upon completion of the project funded by the RLF, the business shall notify the city that the project has
been completed. Loan recipients may document closure with photographs of completed work, as well as
other statements related to the project.
B. Loan Closeout
Thirty (30) days before closing out the loan, the business should contact the city for the final payment
amount. Once final payment is submitted, the business will be sent a copy of originating loan documents,
as well as a letter confirming loan is closed and “paid in full”.
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 6
CITY OF HASTINGS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
REVOLVING LOAN FUND APPLICATION
SECTION 1: CONTACT INFORMATION
Legal Name of Business:_______________________________________________________________________
Project Site Address:__________________________________________________________________________
City / State / Zip:_____________________________________________________________________________
Primary Business Contact Person(s):______________________________________________________________
Phone:______________________________________________________________________________________
Email:______________________________________________________________________________________
Check One:_____ Proprietor _____Corporation_____Partnership
FEIN #_____________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION 2: PROJECT OVERVIEW
Amount Requested: $__________________________________________________________________________
Total Project Cost: $___________________________________________________________________________
Please provide a brief summary of your company and its products and/or services.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Please provide a brief summary of the proposed project.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Please describe how these funds will impact your project.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 7
SECTION 3: ESTIMATED PROJECT COSTS
Land: $_____________________________________________________________________________________
Site improvements: $__________________________________________________________________________
New Building: $______________________________________________________________________________
Equipment/Machinery: $_______________________________________________________________________
Remodeling/Renovation: $______________________________________________________________________
Demolition: $________________________________________________________________________________
Working Capital: $____________________________________________________________________________
Permits/Fees: $_______________________________________________________________________________
Other (attach description) $_____________________________________________________________________
Total Costs $________________________________________________________________________________
SECTION 4: SOURCES OF FINANCING
Bank Loan: $________________________________________________________________________________
Bank Name: _________________________________________________________________________________
Loan Officer Name & Contact Info:______________________________________________________________
Additional Bank Loan (if applicable): $___________________________________________________________
Bank Name: _________________________________________________________________________________
Loan Officer Name & Contact Info:______________________________________________________________
Additional Private Funds (amount & source): $_____________________________________________________
Owner/Business Equity: $______________________________________________________________________
State Funding (amount & program): $_____________________________________________________________
Federal Funding (amount & program): $___________________________________________________________
Other Sources of Funding (amount and description): $________________________________________________
Total Financing: $___________________________________________________________________________
CITY OF HASTINGS: ED RLF//UPDATED 06.11.2018 8
SECTION 5: JOB CREATION (if applicable)
Current number of Employees (working at Hastings location): _________________________________________
Total number of jobs to be created (in Hastings) over the next two years: ________________________________
Job Title Number of Positions Hourly Wage w/
Benefits
Expected Hiring Date
SECTION 6: REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS CHECKLIST
Please attach the following with completed application:
_________1. Written Business Plan, including the following:
a. Business overview and company history and ownership
b. Date Established
c. Products/Services
d. Future Plans
_________2. Two Years of Historical Financials and Financial Projections
_________3. Personal Financial Statements of Proprietor, Partners, Guarantors
_________4. Letter of Commitment from Financing Sources
SECTION 7: AGREEMENT
I/We certify that all information provided in this application (and its attachments) is true and correct to the best of
my/our knowledge. I/We authorize the City of Hastings to check credit references and verify financial and other
information. I/We agree to provide any addition information as may be requested by the City of Hastings and
HEDRA.
APPLICATION SIGNATURE:________________________________________________________
PRINTED NAME & TITLE:__________________________________________________________
DATE:_________________________________________________________________________
Page 1 of 2
City of Hastings
Hastings Economic Development and Redevelopment Authority (HEDRA)
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Assistance Application
Name of Project
Name of Applicant
Corporation/Partnership
Address Street
City State Zip
Name of Primary Contact Email
Phone
Prior to the initiation of the process to establish a TIF district, the Applicant will deposit funds into an escrow account to
pay for the professional services needed by HEDRA to prepare the TIF Plan and the development agreement. The
amount of the escrow deposit will be determined based on the review of this Application, but will not be greater than
$15,000. Money remaining in the escrow after HEDRA costs have been paid will be returned to the Applicant.
Certification of Application
The undersigned certifies that all information provided in this application is true and correct to the best
of the undersigned’s knowledge. The undersigned authorizes the City of Hastings/HEDRA to check
credit references and verify financial and other information. The undersigned also agrees to provide any
additional information as may be requested by the City/HEDRA after the filing of this application.
Name (print) Title
Signature Date
Supporting Information
The application must include the following information attached as exhibits. The applicant can structure
the exhibits in the manner that best explains the project as long as the required information is provided.
1. Project Description (Attach as Exhibit A)
Briefly describe the proposed project. At a minimum, the description shall include:
Project address
Parcel identification numbers
Type of development
Amount of development (building square footage or number of dwelling units)
Dates for start and completion of construction
Assumed Estimated Market Value of project upon completion
Site concept plan (if available)
Page 2 of 2
2. Applicant Information (Attach as Exhibit B)
Brief description of firm’s business
Names of officers and shareholders/partners with 5% or more ownership interest
Location and address of comparable projects completed by the firm
Name and contact information attorney, engineer, architect, or other member of applicant
project team that may be involved with this application
Note – The City may require the applicant to submit other financial information needed to evaluate
the project and the requested assistance. This information may include, but is not limited to,
financial statements and project financing commitments .
3. Description of Requested Assistance (Attach as Exhibit C)
Description of requested assistance, including amount and use of assistance.
Explanation of why the proposed project is not feasible without this assistance.
Description of benefits to the City from the proposed project.
Table containing detailed description of sources and use of funds for the project.
Project proforma with and without requested TIF assistance over the life of the requested
assistance.
Unless otherwise agreed to by the City tax increment assistance is provided on a pay-as-you-go
basis through a TIF Note. Indicate your intentions for holding the Note or selling it to a third
party.
4. Land Use Controls
Please indicate if any of the following are needed:
Yes No Don’t
Know
Comprehensive Plan Amendment
Rezoning
Variance
Conditional Use Permit
Replatting
Please send the completed application and direct questions about the application to:
Rusty Fifield, Economic Development Coordinator
City of Hastings
101 4th Street East
Hastings, MN 55033
651.480.2379
rfifield@hastingsmn.gov
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
LOAN FUND
APPLICATION
Return Application To:
Hutchinson Economic Development Authority
111 Hassan Street SE
Hutchinson MN 55350
Email: edadirector@ci.hutchinson.mn.us
Adopted: 23 February 2011
Overview
The Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund of the Hutchinson Economic Development Authority
(EDA) provides assistance for businesses either located in, or relocating to, the City of Hutchinson.
Eligible uses of funds include land & building purchase, building construction, building renovation /
expansion, machinery & equipment, working capital and inventory. The loan criteria provided on the
following page of this application detail the eligible projects and general terms of the Economic
Development Revolving Loan Fund.
The purpose of the fund is to provide “gap” financing to supplement conventional bank loans for new and
existing business expansion, to retain and / or create jobs, expand the local tax base and encourage new
business investment in the community.
Application Procedure
The Hutchinson Economic Development Director serves as the loan officer for the Economic
Development Revolving Loan Fund. The EDA Director will gather all necessary in formation on the project
from the interested business or individual and verify that the proposed project is eligible for consideration
of a loan from the Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund.
Once all the required information has been obtained, the ED A Director will make a report and
presentation to the Finance Team of the Economic Development Authority (EDA) at their regularly
scheduled monthly meeting. The applicant may be requested to attend this meeting to provide additional
information on the project and answer any questions the Finance Team might have. The Finance team
will then review all information provided and make a recommendation to the EDA Board to either approve
or reject the loan application.
At its regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the EDA Board will then review all information provided along
with the recommendation of the Finance Team prior to considering final approval of the loan. No loan
shall be made prior to authorization of the EDA Board.
Approval Considerations
The EDA Finance Team will evaluate all submitted information, specifically looking at the strengths &
weaknesses of the business, its potential for success, its overall credit worthiness and how well the
project supports the economic development goals of the community.
Generally, the following criteria will be used in reviewing loan applications:
> Job creation / retention > Collateral coverage > Credit worthiness of applicant
> Economic impact > Equity or cash commitment > Leveraging of other funds
Application Requirements
The following items must be provided before the Finance Team can proceed with their review:
1. Completed Economic Development Loan Application
2. Copies of the applicants’ most recent business plan along with all applicable attachments.
(Please contact the EDA Director to verify which particular exhibits are required)
Incomplete applications will not be reviewed; however if the applicant can provide a written explanation of
the circumstances that prevent a complete application from being submitted, that may be considered.
Loan Approval
Upon final approval by the EDA, and the City Council when required, a promissory note, personal
guarantees, and / or mortgage will be prepared for loan closing. All fees related to document preparation,
along with any legal and recording fees are the responsibility of the borrower.
Eligible Businesses
Businesses must be located, or willing to
relocate, within the corporate boundaries of the
City of Hutchinson.
Manufacturing, assembly, warehousing, research
& development facilities, call centers &
administrative processing centers are eligible.
Ineligible Businesses
Retail & service businesses are not eligible
under this program.
Eligible Uses of Funds
Land & building purchase
Building construction
Building renovation / expansion
Machinery & equipment
Working capital
Inventory
Ineligible Uses of Funds
Purchase of equity positions in business
enterprises
Refinancing of existing debt
Loan Amounts
$20,000 to $150,000 is available
The EDA reserves the right to approve loan
amounts less than the amount requested.
Loan Terms Available
Up to 10-year terms are available
Each loan term will be determined on a case-by-
case basis.
Equipment loans will generally not exceed 5-7
years and will not go beyond the depreciated life
of the asset being financed.
Interest Rates
Anywhere from a rate of 2% to
Prime Interest Rate + 3%
Interest rates will be fixed.
Interest rates are determined on a case-by-case
basis as recommended by the EDA Finance
Team & EDA Board.
Job Creation & Wage Requirements
At least 1 full-time or FTE job must be created for
each $25,000 lent.
Jobs created must pay minimum wages as
stated in the City of Hutchinson’s Business
Subsidy Policy.
Bank Requirement
Because the EDA loan fund provides “gap”
financing only, a bank or other financial
institution must be involved in the project as the
primary lender.
Fees
Approved borrowers are responsible for all legal
fees, document preparation costs, recording &
filing fees.
No origination or application fees apply.
Equity Requirements
The borrower must provide a minimum of 10% of
total project costs as equity.
Personal Guarantees
Personal guarantees are required of all persons
having 20% or more ownership of the business.
Collateral Requirements
The EDA Finance Team and EDA Board will
review and take into consideration loan collateral
coverage.
The EDA may take a subordinate collateral
position to other lenders.
Management Experience
It is required that the project have capable,
skilled management through experience or
expertise in the applicant’s industry, either
through previous successful business ownership
or through appropriate managerial support
services.
Repayment Ability
Applicants must demonstrate adequate historical
and / or pro-forma cash flow for the proposed
new debt.
Late Penalties
The EDA may include late penalties for loan
payments made after their due date.
Loan Disbursement Policy
The EDA will place restrictions on the
disbursement of loan funds.
Considerations in setting Interest Rates
Size of loan
Length of loan
Use of loan
Inflationary expectations
Interest rate expectations
Perceived risk of project
Amount of owner equity
Presence / absence of other funding sources
Financial strength of ownership
General economic conditions & expectations
Type & size of building
Number of jobs created
Wages paid
Considering all these factors, loan interest rates are set at
the sole discretion of the Hutchinson EDA.
LOAN CRITERIA
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Business Name & Address Phone Number
___________________________________ _____________________
___________________________________ Fax Number
___________________________________ _____________________
___________________________________
Email Address____________________________________________________
Business Internet Address__________________________________________
Federal Tax ID #___________________________________________________
Name & Address of Business Owner(s)
1. _________________________________ Title__________________________
___________________________________ % of Ownership________________
___________________________________ SSN__________________________
___________________________________
2. _________________________________ Title__________________________
___________________________________ % of Ownership________________
___________________________________ SSN__________________________
___________________________________
3. _________________________________ Title__________________________
___________________________________ % of Ownership________________
___________________________________ SSN__________________________
___________________________________
Please attach a separate page if there are more than three owners.
Name & Address of Bank
___________________________________ Contact_______________________
___________________________________ Phone________________________
___________________________________
Name & Address of Accountant
___________________________________ Contact_______________________
___________________________________ Phone________________________
___________________________________
STRUCTURE OF BUSINESS
____Sole Proprietorship ____Partnership ____S-Corporation ____C-Corporation
PROJECT SUMMARY
Requested Loan Amount
Type of Project __________ Construction / New Business
__________ Expansion of Existing Business
Project Start Date________________ Completion Date______________
Briefly Describe Project:__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
$
PROJECT COST DETAIL
Use of EDA Funds
Land & Site Improvements
(For improvements include a cost $_______________ $______________
breakdown on the back page)
Buildings
(Attach plan & cost estimates) $_______________ $______________
Machinery & Equipment
(Describe in detail on back page) $_______________ $______________
Working Capital $_______________ $______________
Other Project Costs
(Provide detail on back page) $_______________ $______________
Total Project Cost
Total EDA Funds
FINANCING DETAIL
Equity Bank EDA Other Other
Funding
Source
$
$
$
$
$
% of Total
%
%
%
%
%
Term of
Loan
N/A
yrs.
yrs.
yrs.
yrs.
Interest Rate
%
%
%
%
%
Monthly Pmt.
$
$
$
$
$
Lien Position
(i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Approved?
$
$
COLLATERAL DETAIL
Collateral Provided
(Describe)
Position of EDA
(i.e. 1st, 2nd, 3rd)
Dollar Amount
$
$
$
$
$
Total Collateral: $_______________
(Must agree with EDA Financing)
EXISTING BUSINESS FINANCING OBLIGATIONS
Creditor Name
& Contact Information
Original
Amount
Current
Balance
Monthly
Payment
Maturity
Date
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
JOB CREATION DETAIL
Applicant agrees to create the following jobs as a direct result of this loan:
Position
Total Jobs
Annual
Hours / Job
Salary / Wage
Rate
$
$
$
$
$
$
Total number of full-time & full-time equivalent (2,080 hours / year)
positions:_____________
Will this project retain any jobs?__________ If so, how many?_______________
NOTES
ATTACHMENTS
The following items should be enclosed with this loan application:
1) Business Plan – This should be as recent as possible and include:
A) History & Description of the Business
Briefly describe the past operation of the business and / or events leading up to its
creation. Include information on the product lines or services, industry, management and
key employees as well as the operation’s growth and affiliates.
B) Project Summary
Briefly describe the project you are proposing. Indicate the part of the project the loan
would be used for. Include information on any existing financial or legal situations of the
applicant that might affect the credit worthiness of this application.
C) Marketing Plan
Detail the marketing strategy and describe how it will support the planned business
expansion or start-up. Include information on the following:
Current customers and target markets (provide copies of any contracts,
purchase orders, etc. that relate to the loan request).
Manufacturing process and materials.
Major suppliers.
Competition and comparison of products.
Pricing, distribution & promotion.
D) Business Financial Statements
Please include independently prepared financial statements, prepared according to
Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) – unless exempted from this
requirement by the EDA Finance Team. Provide balance sheets, income statements and
statements of cash flow for the past three fiscal years.
E) Projections
Provide pro-forma balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flow (in
both a monthly & annual basis) for the next three years. Define the assumptions used to
derive the projections.
F) Personal Resumes & Financial Statements
Provide resumes of all principals as well as current, signed and dated personal financial
statements on all principals with a financial interest in the business.
Include notes indicating the basis of value on the assets (market value or acquisition
cost) and explanations of other entries (notes payable, receivables, stocks, etc.).
Financial statements should be dated within 90 days of filing this application.
Personal financial statements will be returned to the applicant(s) once the loan
application has been reviewed and acted upon by the EDA Finance Team and the full
EDA Board.
2) Interim Statements
Provide balance sheets, income statements and statements of cash flow that are less then 90
days old, if the business plan does not contain information this current.
3) Commitment Letters
Include firm commitments from banks and other participating lenders stating the te rms and
conditions of their financing.
Continued
4) Other Required Attachments
A letter from the County Auditor or Treasurer verifying that there are no outstanding
judgments or tax liens against the business, property or owners of the business.
Evidence of payment of last quarter’s payroll and sales taxes.
Evidence of Worker’s Compensation coverage.
SUPPLEMENTAL ATTACHMENTS
The following attachments may be required, if applicable:
Appraisals / Proposed Lease / Purchase Options or Agreements
An independent appraisal paid for by the applicant may be required for any real estate which is
a subject of the proposed financing, or which is offered as a major source of collateral to secure
the loan. Also, include copies of existing or proposed lease(s), purchase options or agreements,
or other financial arrangements.
Affiliates
Provide a description of any affiliates or subsidiaries of business or principles requesting
assistance, as well as balance sheets, income statements, and statements of cash flow for t he
past three years for those entities.
APPLICANT AGREES TO THE FOLLOWING:
1. All jobs must be created within the time frame specified in the development agreement.
2. Immediate repayment of the “per job cost” (plus interest) will be made for each job
described above that is not created within the agreed upon time frame.
3. Immediate repayment of the entire outstanding balance of the loan will be made if the
business relocates outside the corporate limits of the City of Hutchinson.
4. Documentation must be provided to the Hutchinson Economic Development Authority
showing the number and types of jobs created by each anniversary of the effective date
of the loan until such time as the loan is paid off.
5. Company financial documents will be available for inspection by the Hutchinson
Economic Development Authority upon request.
I certify that the firm known as:
____________________________________________________________________
agrees to abide by all the requirements of this application and that all information provided to
the Hutchinson Economic Development Authority for this project is true and correct.
___________________________________________________ ____________
Authorized Signature / Title Date
Tax Abatement Policy
Adopted: June 28, 2017
I. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish the terms and conditions under which City of
Hutchinson would consider the use of Tax Abatement to facilitate economic development.
The fundamental purpose of providing Tax Abatement in Hutchinson is to encourage
desirable development or redevelopment that is in the public interest.
The City of Hutchinson is granted the power to utilize Tax Abatement by Minnesota
Statutes, Sections 469.1812 to 469.1815 (the "Minnesota Tax Abatement Act"), as
amended.
The City reserves the right to approve or reject the use of Tax Abatement on a case by case
basis, taking into consideration established policies, the relative merits of each project, and
demand on city services in relation to the potential benefits from the project.
II. Difference between Tax Abatement and Tax Increment Financing
The primary difference between Tax Abatement and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is the
way in which the dollars are collected for a project. When TIF is awarded to a project by the
City, the gain in property taxes that would ordinarily go to other taxing jurisdictions (the
school district and county) is “captured” for use in the project. The other taxing
jurisdictions have no choice in the matter.
With Tax Abatement, each taxing jurisdiction makes its own decision regarding
participation. As a result, the dollars generated for the project with Tax Abatement are
generally less than the dollars generated with TIF.
III. Objectives for Use of Tax Abatement
The City will consider using Tax Abatement to assist private development projects to
achieve one or more of the following objectives which are found to be in the public interest:
To retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of jobs that offer
stable employment and/or attractive wages and benefits as defined in the City's
Business Subsidy Policy.
To enhance and diversify the City’s economic and/or employment base.
To facilitate the development process and to achieve development on sites that
otherwise would not be developed without economic development assistance.
To remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment of commercial and industrial
areas in the city that result in high quality redevelopment and private investment.
To offset increased costs of redevelopment (i.e. contaminated site cleanup) over
and above the costs normally incurred in development.
To significantly increase the City’s tax base.
IV. Policies for Use of Tax Abatement
a. Tax Abatement will only be used in those circumstances where other economic
development tools (e.g. Tax Increment Financing) are unavailable and/or
impractical to use.
b. The City will not abate existing property taxes. Only the gain in property taxes
resulting from the increased estimated market value of the property brought about
by the project can be abated.
c. Tax Abatement assistance will be provided to the business only on a “pay-as-you-
go” basis. The City will never bond for Tax Abatement projects.
d. The Hutchinson Economic Development Authority (EDA) and the City will limit the
amount of Tax Abatement provided to a specific dollar amount and/or a specific
length of time.
e. The maximum term for any Tax Abatement will be 15 years.
f. The City shall withhold an amount from the first Tax Abatement payment equal to
the costs incurred by the City in the establishing the Tax Abatement.
V. Business Subsidy Requirements
Any Tax Abatement authorized will be in accordance with and subject to the provisions of
the City of Hutchinson Business Subsidy Policy and Minnesota State Statute 116J.993 (the
"Minnesota Business Subsidy Law").
Application for
Tax Increment Financing
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) is an economic development tool that refunds a portion of the property
taxes paid on a property to the developer / owner in order to reimburse certain qualifying project costs.
TIF Districts must be approved by the Hutchinson Economic Development Authority and the Hutchinson
City Council following a public hearing. Approval of a TIF District is at the sole discretion of the Hutchinson
City Council. The EDA and/or City Council may limit the amount of Tax Increment provided.
Due to legal notification requirements, meeting schedules, waiting periods, etc. it generally takes 6-8
weeks to move through the approval process. Construction cannot begin until the TIF District is approved.
Once the TIF District is approved and the project completed, TIF payments may begin. After property
taxes are paid, TIF reimbursement checks typically are sent out by the City in July and December of each
year for the duration of the TIF District. Reimbursements will be made only up to the amount of actual
Tax Increment available. If desired, up front project financing can potentially be arranged through the
applicants’ primary project lender. TIF payments can be made directly to the lender if needed.
TIF dollars can only be used to reimburse qualified project costs, documentation for which will have to be
provided to the City once the project is completed.
Application fee $15,000 Payable to “City of Hutchinson”
The TIF application fee covers the city’s financial consulting and legal costs in establishing the TIF District
and is reimbursable via future TIF payments. All expenses incurred by the City will be documented and
any unused amount will be returned to the applicant.
SECTION 1 APPLICANT INFORMATION
Applicant _________________________________________________________________
Company Name _________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________
Contact Person _________________________________________________________________
Telephone (work) ________________________(mobile) ____________________________
Email _________________________________________________________________
SECTION 2 PROJECT INFORMATION
Project Site Address _________________________________________________________________
Tax Parcel ID No. _______________________________________
Size of proposed structure or expansion ___________________ square feet
Type of Construction (i.e. wood-frame, steel, tip-up concrete, etc.)_______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Project Description – please be as detailed as possible.
Generally speaking, items potentially eligible for TIF reimbursement include:
TIF application fee Demolition
Land acquisition Parking lots
Soil corrections Sidewalks
Contamination remediation Items that cause sub-standard buildings
to be defined as ‘blight’ Site work
IMPORTANT: Contact EDA staff to discuss your project and what specific items will be eligible for TIF
reimbursement, as these vary by the type of TIF District utilized.
Estimated Project Budget
SOURCES USES
Equity $_______________ TIF Application fee $_______________
Bank $_______________ Land acquisition $_______________
Other _____________ $_______________ Site development / Clean-up $_______________
Other ____________ $_______________ Building(s) $_______________
Other ____________ $_______________ Equipment $_______________
TIF (the GAP) $_______________ Architectural & Engineering $_______________
Legal fees / soft costs $_______________
Other $_______________
TOTAL $_____________ TOTAL $_______________
SECTION 3 STATEMENT OF NEED
Why is public financial assistance needed for this project? Are there unusual costs or special conditions
that make the use of TIF necessary? (these could be such things as blight, soil contamination, needed soil
corrections, needed infrastructure, unusual or difficult site to develop or there is a need to make the
Hutchinson location economically competitive with other potential project locations.)
SECTION 4 JOB CREATION
Current Company Employment Full-time_____________ Part-time_____________
New jobs to be created within two Full-time_____________ Part-time_____________
years of project completion
SECTION 5 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION INFORMATION
Bank _________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________________
Contact Person _________________________________________________________________
Telephone (work) ________________________(mobile) ____________________________
Email _________________________________________________________________
SECTION 6 – CERTIFICATION
I hereby certify that all the information provided on this application is true and correct to the best of my
knowledge and belief.
Furthermore, I certify that the development would not happen solely through private investment in the
reasonably foreseeable future; i.e. the project would not be economically feasible and/or competitive to
do at this site (or in Minnesota) but for the use of Tax Increment Financing. TIF is needed to make this
project work financially.
Signed _________________________________________________________________
Date ____________________________
Return application to:
City of Hutchinson
Miles R. Seppelt
Economic Development Director
(320) 234-4223
mseppelt@ci.hutchinson.mn.us
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2014 Page 1
City of Shakopee, Minnesota
TAX ABATEMENT POLICY
1) POLICY PURPOSE
For the purposes of this document the term “City” includes the Shakopee City Council, Staff, Advisory
Boards and Commission, Financial consultants, and legal counsel.
The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Shakopee’s position relating to the use of Tax
Abatement for private development above and beyond the requirements and limitations set forth
by State Law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications
requesting tax abatement assistance. It is the intent of the City to minimize the risk and amount of
business assistance to a project and to leverage its public dollars to maximize private sector
funding.
The City of Shakopee (City) is granted the power to utilize Tax Abatement by Minnesota Statutes
469.1812 through 469.1816, as amended. The fundamental purpose of Tax Abatement in Shakopee
is to encourage desirable development or redevelopment that would not otherwise occur but-for
the assistance provided through the tax abatement.
The City reserves the right to approve or reject projects on a case by case basis, taking into
consideration established policies, project criteria, and demand on City services in relation to the
potential benefits from the project. Meeting policy criteria does not guarantee the award of
business assistance to the project. Approval or denial of one project is not intended to set
precedent for approval or denial of another project.
The City Council can deviate from this policy for projects that supersede the objectives identified
herein.
2) OBJECTIVES OF TAX ABATEMENT
As a matter of adopted policy, the City will consider using the use of Tax Abatement to assist private
development projects that must, at a minimum, achieve one of the following objectives:
To retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of jobs that offer stable
employment and/or attractive wages and benefits.
Projects that provide value in the forms of needed transportation and other utility
infrastructure improvement that would be completed in conjunction with the project.
To encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either directly or
indirectly through “spin off” development.
To facilitate the development process and to achieve development on sites which would not
otherwise be developed but-for the use of Tax Abatement.
To remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment of commercial and industrial areas in
the City that result in high quality redevelopment and private reinvestment.
2014 Page 2
To offset increased costs of redevelopment (i.e. contaminated site clean-up) over and above
the costs normally incurred in development.
To create opportunities for affordable housing.
Projects that improve the quality of life in the City by providing a desirable good or service
and address an unmet demand in the community.
3) TAX ABATEMENT PROJECT REQUIREMENTS
1. Tax Abatement assistance shall be provided to the developer upon receipt of the increment
by the City otherwise referred to as the pay-as-you-go method. Requests for up front
financing will be considered on a case by case basis.
2. Any developer receiving assistance shall provide a 20% cash equity investment in the
project. The local government assistance shall not be used to supplant cash equity.
3. Minimum investment for new businesses is $10,000,000 and for expansions $5,000,000,
unless an exception is granted by the City.
4. The length or term of any Tax Abatement assistance will be based on need for each project
as determined by the City.
5. Assistance shall not be provided for reimbursement of land and/or property price that is in
excess of fair market value. An appraisal by a third party, agreed upon by the City and
Developer, will determine the fair market value of the land.
6. The Developer shall be able to demonstrate a market demand for a proposed project.
Assistance shall not be granted to support purely speculative projects.
7. Business assistance shall not be utilized in cases where it would create an unfair and
significant competitive financial advantage over other projects in the area.
8. Business assistance shall not be provided for projects that would place extraordinary
demands on City services or for projects that would generate significant environmental
impacts.
9. The developer must provide adequate financial guarantees to ensure completion of the
project, including, but not limited to: assessment agreements, letters of credit, personal
guarantees, etc. unless an exception is granted by the City.
10. The developer shall adequately demonstrate, to the City’s sole satisfaction, an ability to
complete the proposed project based on past development experience, general reputation,
and credit history, among other factors, including the size and scope of the proposed
project.
11. For the purposes of analyzing the proposal, the developer shall provide any requested
market, financial, environmental, or other data requested by the City or its consultants.
12. At least one full time job must be created or retained per $15,000 of abatement provided.
4) SUBSIDY AGREEMENT & REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All developers/businesses receiving tax abatement assistance from the City of Shakopee
shall be subject to the provisions and requirements set forth by State Statute 116J.993 and
summarized below. Developers/businesses must also comply with the City’s Business
Subsidy Policy.
2014 Page 3
The developer/business shall file a report annually for two years after the date the benefit
is received or until all goals set forth in the application and performance agreement have
been met, whichever is later. Underperforming projects shall result in reduced assistance
on a pro rata basis or potentially repayment of some or all of the assistance.
Reports shall be completed using the format drafted by the State of Minnesota and shall be
filed with the City of Shakopee no later than April 1 of each year for the previous calendar
year. Businesses fulfilling job creation requirements must file a report to that effect with
the City within 30 days of meeting the requirements.
The developer/business will be required to attain or exceed the jobs and wages goals set
forth in the Subsidy Agreement.
In addition to attaining or exceeding the jobs and wages goals set forth in the Subsidy
Agreement, the applicant shall meet the qualifications set forth in Section 3, Project
Requirements, of this document.
Developers/businesses failing to comply with the above provisions will be subject to fines,
repayment requirements, and be deemed ineligible by the State of Minnesota to receive any
loans or grants from public entities for a period of five years.
APPLICATION PROCESS
1) Applicant submits the completed application
2) City staff reviews the application and completes a project score sheet.
3) Results of the score sheet are submitted to the appropriate governing authorities for
preliminary approval of the proposal.
4) If preliminary approval is granted, the applicant submits the application fee of $12,000.
The process for creating a Tax Abatement project area, including all necessary notices,
resolutions and certificates prepared by City staff and/or consultants is begun. The
application funds will be placed in a non-interest bearing account and any unused
portion of the fee will be returned to the applicant.
5) Public hearing notices are published.
6) Public hearing(s) on the proposed project are held.
7) The City Council grants final approval or denial of the proposal.
*This policy shall be reviewed on a biannual basis with the next review being set for April, 2016.
2014 Page 1
City of Shakopee, Minnesota
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING (TIF) POLICY
1) POLICY PURPOSE
For the purposes of this document the term “City” includes the Shakopee City Council, Staff, the
Economic Development Authority, Advisory Boards and Commission, Financial consultants, and legal
counsel.
The purpose of this policy is to establish the City of Shakopee’s position relating to the use of Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) for private development above and beyond the requirements and
limitations set forth by State Law. This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review
of applications requesting tax increment assistance.
The City of Shakopee (City) is granted the power to utilize TIF by the Minnesota Tax Increment
Financing Act, Minnesota Statutes 469.174 through 469.1794, as amended. The fundamental
purpose of tax increment financing in the City of Shakopee is to encourage desirable development
or redevelopment that would not otherwise occur but for the assistance provided through TIF.
The City reserves the right to approve or reject projects on a case by case basis, taking into
consideration established policies, project criteria, and demand on City services in relation to the
potential benefits from the project. Meeting policy criteria does not guarantee the award of
business assistance to the project. Approval or denial of one project is not intended to set
precedent for approval or denial of another project.
The City Council (and EDA Board) can deviate from this policy for projects that supersede the
objectives identified herein.
2) OBJECTIVES OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) uses the increased property taxes generated by new real estate
development within a tax increment district to pay for certain eligible costs associated with the
development. As a matter of adopted policy, the City will consider using TIF to assist private
development projects that will achieve one or more of the following objectives:
To retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of jobs that offer stable
employment and/or attractive wages and benefits. Preference will be given to higher
paying jobs that also provide benefits such as health care coverage.
Projects that provide value in the forms of needed transportation and other utility
infrastructure improvement that would be completed in conjunction with the project.
To encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either directly or
indirectly through “spin off” development.
2014 Page 2
To facilitate the development process and to achieve development on sites which would not
otherwise be developed but-for the use of TIF.
To remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment of commercial and industrial areas in
the City that result in high quality redevelopment and private reinvestment.
To offset increased costs of redevelopment (i.e. contaminated site clean-up) over and above
the costs normally incurred in development.
To create opportunities for affordable housing.
Projects that improve the quality of life in the City by providing a desirable good or service
and address an unmet demand in the community.
To contribute to the implementation of other public policies, as adopted by the city from
time to time, such as the promotion of quality urban or architectural design, energy
conservation, and decreasing capital and/or operating costs of local government.
3) USE OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
1. When possible, TIF shall be used to finance public improvements associated with the
project. The priority for the use of TIF funds is:
a. Public improvements, legal, administrative, and engineering costs.
b. Site preparation, site improvement, land purchase, demolition, and environmental
remediation.
c. Capitalized interest, bonding costs.
2. The following types of TIF districts may be established:
a. Economic Development Districts (maximum term 9 years)
b. Redevelopment Districts (maximum term 26 years)
c. Housing Districts (maximum term 26 years)
d. Renewal and Renovation Districts (maximum term 16 years)
e. Other types of TIF districts, along with specific criteria, may be considered on a case
by case basis.
3. TIF assistance shall not be provided for reimbursement of land and/or property price that
is in excess of fair market value. An appraisal by a third party, agreed upon by the City and
Developer, will determine the fair market value of the land.
4. The City shall retain a fee to reimburse administrative costs up to but not to exceed ten
percent (10%) of any tax increment received.
5. Any developer receiving TIF assistance shall provide a minimum of twenty percent (20%)
cash equity investment in the project. The TIF assistance shall not be used to supplant cash
equity. The City may consider exceptions for “pay-as-you-go” TIF projects.
6. Developer shall be able to demonstrate a market demand for a proposed project. TIF shall
not be used to support purely speculative projects.
7. TIF shall not be utilized in cases where it would create an unfair and significant competitive
financial advantage over other projects in the City.
8. TIF shall not be provided for projects that would place extraordinary demands on city
services or for projects that would generate significant environmental impacts.
2014 Page 3
9. The developer must provide adequate financial guarantees to ensure completion of the
project, including, but not limited to: assessment agreements, letters of credit, personal
guarantees, etc.
10. The developer shall adequately demonstrate, to the City’s sole satisfaction, an ability to
complete the proposed project based on past development experience, general reputation,
and credit history, among other factors, including the size and scope of the proposed
project.
11. For the purposes of analyzing the proposal, the developer shall provide any requested
market, financial, environmental, or other data requested by the City or its consultants.
4) PROJECT QUALIFICATIONS
All TIF projects considered by the City of Shakopee must meet all of the following requirements:
1) To be eligible for TIF, a project shall result in one of the following:
a. For Economic Development TIF Districts, new construction of a minimum of 50,000
square foot building.
b. For Economic Development TIF Districts, the minimum creation of one new or
retained full time job per $15,000 of TIF provided.
c. For Redevelopment TIF Districts, a minimum value increase of 2 times the current
year assessed value, whichever is greater.
2) The project shall meet at least one of the objectives set forth in Section 2 and satisfy all the
provisions set forth in Section 3 of this document.
3) The developer shall demonstrate that the project is not financially feasible but-for the use of
TIF.
4) The project must be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Plan, and
Zoning Ordinances.
5) The project shall serve at least two of the following public purposes:
a. Creation of jobs with livable wages and benefits, per City’s Business Subsidy Policy.
b. Increase of tax base.
c. Enhancement or diversification of the City’s economic base.
d. Industrial development that will spur additional private investment in the area.
e. The project contributes to the fulfillment of the City’s development or
redevelopment objectives.
f. Removal of blight or the rehabilitation of a high profile or priority downtown site.
5) SUBSIDY AGREEMENT & REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
All developers/businesses receiving tax increment financing assistance from the City of
Shakopee shall be subject to the provisions and requirements set forth by State Statute
116J.993 and summarized below. Developers/businesses must also comply with the City’s
Business Subsidy Policy.
All developers/businesses receiving TIF assistance shall enter into a Subsidy Agreement
with the City of Shakopee that identifies: the reason for the subsidy, the public purpose
served by the subsidy, and the goals for the subsidy, as well as other criteria set forth by
State Statute 116J.993.
2014 Page 4
The developer/business shall file a report annually for two years after the date the benefit
is received or until all goals set forth in the application and performance agreement have
been met, whichever is later. Reports shall be completed using the format drafted by the
State of Minnesota and shall be filed with the City of Shakopee no later than March 1 of each
year for the previous calendar year. Businesses fulfilling job creation requirements must
file a report to that effect with the City within 30 days of meeting the requirements.
The developer/business owner shall maintain and operate its facility at the site where TIF
assistance is used for a period of five years after the benefit is received.
The developer/business will be required to attain or exceed the jobs and wages goals set
forth in the Subsidy Agreement.
Developer/Businesses failing to comply with the above provisions will be subject to fines,
repayment requirements, and be deemed ineligible by the State of Minnesota to receive any
loans or grants from public entities for a period of five years.
6) APPLICATION PROCESS
1) Applicant submits the completed application
2) City staff reviews the application and completes a project score sheet.
3) Results of the score sheet are submitted to the appropriate governing authorities for
preliminary approval of the proposal.
4) If preliminary approval is granted, the applicant submits the application fee of $12,000 and
the Tax Increment Financing Plan, along with all necessary notices, resolutions and
certificates are prepared by City staff and/or consultants. The application funds will be
placed in a non-interest bearing account and any unused portion of the fee will be returned
to the applicant.
5) Notices are published and sent to the county and school board.
6) Public hearing(s) on the proposed project are held.
7) The City Council grants final approval or denial of the proposal.
*This policy shall be reviewed on a biannual basis with the next review being set for April, 2016.
FAIRMEconomic Development AuthorityRevolving Loan Fund GuidelinesThe Fairmont Economic Development Authority's Revolving Loan Fund is available within the City Limitsof Fairmont, Minnesota. The program works in partnership with local lending institutions to help 'fill afinancing gap' between available and necessary financial tools.Investment AmountUp to $75,000Eligibility Criteria• Financial participation by a lender isrequired• Demonstrated management skills,industry experience and financialaptitude• Sound business plan with financialprojections• Adequate cash flow to service debt• Ability to secure loan with collateral• Creation or retention of living-wagejobs• Contribution to the region's economiccompetitivenessUse of Funds• Building acquisition• Expansion• Machinery and Equipment• Inventory• Real Property AcquisitionLoan Terms• Loans will be considered up to $75,000;cannot exceed 33% of the total project• Interest rate is determined case by case• Loans can be amortized for 20 years,balloon in 10; or amortized over 10years, balloon in 7• It is desirable for loans to be fullysecured; may be subordinate to theprimary lender• Personal guarantees equal to theamount of the loan are required• Loan recipients will be charged a 1.5%origination feeRequired Application Attachments• Receipt of Completed Loan Application• Current Business Plan - Startups only• Two years of business financialstatements for existing businesses• Two years of business income taxreturns for existing businesses• Cash flow projections• Personal Financial Statements of allstakeholders of more than 20%• Two years personal income tax returnsfor all stakeholders of more than 20%Once a completed loan application is received, a meeting will be held with the applicant, City staff and theprimary lender. The application will then be reviewed by a Loan Committee and their recommendationwill be made at a subsequent Fairmont Economic Development Authority meeting. It is typical to take 4-6weeks from the time we receive a complete application to the time a decision is made. Your applicationmay be approved as is, approved with changes, or denied. Loan processing takes an additional 1-2 weeksafter FEDA makes a decision.
FAiRi^asnrEconomic Development AuthorityRevolving Loan Fund Application (Revised 6-16)Name and Address of BusinessPhone NumberFax NumberEmail AddressBusiness Organization: CorporationPartnershipBusiness Owners Names and Addresses1.2.Type of BusinessNew BusinessExistingDescribe the company's business:EIN NumberSole ProprietorshipOtherTitlePercent of OwnershipSocial Security NumberTitlePercent of OwnershipSocial Security NumberNumber of Years Existing
FAIRMEconomic Development AuthorityRevolving Loan Fund Application (Revised 6-16)Describe the Proposed Project:Source of Funds:Sources of Funds:Bank (Conventional financing)Equity (funds the business will be applying)FEDA (funds requested)Fixed Assets:Acquisition of LandAcquisition of BuildingBuilding RehabilitationMachinery and EquipmentFixed Asset Total:Working CapitalInventoryOperating CapitalWorking Capital Total:TOTAL PROJECT COSTSAmount Needed$$_$_$$_$,$_$Amount Committed
FAIRMEconomic Development AuthorityRevolving Loan Fund Application (Revised 6-16)Describe the Details of the Loan you are Requesting:Loan Amount $TermSpecial Payment Terms or Conditions RequestedConventional Business Lender Name and Contact Person:Job Impact:Full Time PositionsPart Time PositionsAverage Full Time WagesAverage Part Time WagesCurrent$ /hr$ /hrAdditional Createdwithin 2 years$ /hr$ /hrApplication Attachments Required (if applicable as determined by the EDA)3
FAIRMEconomic Development AuthorityRevolving Loan Fund Application (Revised 6-16)All Businesses:> Articles of Incorporation (if applicable)> Certificate of Good Standing (Secretary of State)> Personal Financials on individuals owning 20% or more of the company> Written commitment letters from all other sources of funding> Purchase Agreement (if applicable)> Building Cost Estimates/Plans and Specifications> AppraisalNew Business Start-Ups Only:> Business Plan> Pro-forma balance sheet and projected operating statement for two years> Monthly forecasted cash flow analysis for 3 yearsExisting Businesses:> The last two fiscal year end and current financial statements> Balance Sheet and Profit and Loss Statement for the previous 3 years> Current balance sheet and current operating statement, no older than 90 dayso Aging accounts payable/receivableo List current obligations
FAIRM®NTEconomic Development AuthorityRevolving Loan Fund Application (Revised 6-16)Information Release AuthorizationI authorize the Fairmont Economic Development Authority to obtain background information needed inconnection with my loan application such as:> Credit report.> Employment histoiy, dates of employment, title, income, hours worked, stability, etc.> Banking and savings accounts, deposits and balance verifications.> All loan ratings, opening date, high credit, payment amount, loan balances, payment records, andpay off information.> Any other information requested in connection with a determination of credit worthiness.This information is for the use of this lender in connection with my/our loan application and the conductof "Post Closing" Quality Control Audits as required by various government and quasi-govemmentagencies.A photocopy of this authorization, bearing the photocopied signatires of the undersigned, may be deemedto be the equivalent of the original and may be treated and used as a duplicate original.Applicant Name and AddressSocial Security Number:Date of Birth:Co-Applicant Name and AddressSocial Security Number:Date of Birth:Applicant SignatureCo-Applicant Signature
FAIRMEconomic Development AuthorityRevolving Loan Fund Application (Revised 6-16)Tennessen Warning: Data Privacy StatementThe information provided in the application materials or to be obtained separately as a part of theapplication process will be used by the lender to determine whether you qualify as a prospective borrowerfor the Fairmont Economic Development Authority (EDA) Revolving Loan Fund. The informationprovided in the application and information authorized above for assistance will become a matter ofpublic record with the exception of those items protected under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13Government Data Practices.The private data whom this information may be shared include:1. The EDA Loan Review Committee and EDA Board; and2. Staff who are involved in program administration; and3. Auditors who perform required audits of the program; and4. Authorized personnel from other County, State, Federal or Regional Agencies providing fundingassistance to you; and5. Those other persons who you authorize to see the information; and6. Law enforcement personnel in the case of suspected fraud.Unless otherwise authorized by MN Statutes or Federal Law, other government agencies using the privatedata must also handle the data as private. You may wish to exercise your rights as contained in theMinnesota Government Data Practices Act. Those rights include:1. The right to see and obtain copies of the data maintained on you; and2. Be told the contents and meaning of the data; and3. Challenge the accuracy and completeness of the data.Applicant Signature Applicant SignatureApplicant Full Name Applicant Full Name
Multifamily Housing Tax Abatement Program
Intent:
In an effort to spur development of more housing options for our workforce, the City of Fairmont,
Martin County and School District all agreed to abate property taxes for new construction of multifamily
residential housing in Fairmont. Approved applicants for new housing between January 1, 2020 and
December 31, 2024 will have the taxes abated over ten years.
This effort is being made to provide incentives for construction of duplexes and other multifamily
complexes within the City of Fairmont. There is a shortage of housing options available for our current
residents and those who are interested in relocating to Fairmont.
Eligibility
Eligibility includes any person or business who builds duplexes or multifamily complexes and who files
application materials and seeks formal approval from appropriate local jurisdiction may be eligible to
receive 100% tax abatement of the City, County and School District’s share of increased real estate taxes
as a result of building newly constructed housing, or a period of ten (10) years provided all of the
following criteria are met:
1. The property is located within City of Fairmont and is zoned properly for the proposed
development project.
2. The project is built to any and all applicable zoning and building codes adopted at the time the
building/zoning permit is obtained.
3. Property taxes are current and paid on time and in full. Failure to keep property taxes current
shall result in cancelation of the tax increment payments.
4. Program approvals must be obtained prior to the start of construction of the duplexes or
multifamily complex.
The real estate taxes to be abated shall be for up to the full amount of the real estate collected due to
the added tax base of the newly constructed multifamily housing annually. The value of the property is
not eligible for the abatement, so it will not be abated as part of this program. Any eligible abatement
years are calculated on the tax increase due to the construction of the housing facility.
Partially constructed housing may result in an abatement in the first abatement year that may be
significantly less than the following years based on the taxable value of the property. This will be
considered one of the ten years of the eligible abatement.
If the owner refuses access to County Assessor staff to perform an appraisal for tax assessment
purposes, the tax abatement shall expire for the remaining term of the abatement period.
The abatement period will begin in the tax year the property realized a value increase due to
construction of the housing project.
This abatement will transfer with the sale of the property one time during the ten-year abatement
period.
This abatement does not apply to, or include, existing and/or new special assessments to property.
The City shall provide the awarded abatement payment following the payment of due real estate taxes
annually. One single payment shall be made to the owner of record at the time of the payment, by
December 30 for that calendar year.
Application:
Statute requires that City approve each abatement application. The granting of tax abatement will be
contingent upon Council approval of the abatement.
A complete application for abatement shall consist of the following:
• A letter requesting abatement for eligible projected addressed to the Economic Development
Coordinator, County Coordinator, and School Superintendent.
• Legal description of the subject property, including address and property identification number.
• A set of construction plans for the proposed project, including site plan
• Submission of a copy of the building/zoning permit once received
• Applicant shall sign a statement to the effect that no construction has started. For the purposes
of this provision, construction shall be determined by the issuance of a building permit before
approval of the City Council.
Upon submittal of a completed application, the City Council shall schedule a public hearing on the
granting of the tax abatement. The date shall not exceed 60 days from the date of submitted
application. After consideration, the Council will adopt a resolution outlining the details of the
abatement program if approved by the taxing authority.
Each taxing entity retains its individual authority on property tax abatements. The City is solely
responsible for its share of property tax abatements and this policy does not allow the City to abate
County, or School District property taxes.
Property Owner(s)/Applicant(s): _____________________________________________________________
Current Address: __________________________________________________________________________
Telephone: _____________________ Email: ____________________________________________________
Has applicant ever defaulted on property taxes? ☐ Yes ☐ No If Yes, provide details on separate page(s).
Are property taxes current? ☐ Yes ☐ No
Proposed Project: ☐ New Construction ☐ Replacement of housing unit
Project Address: ___________________________________________________________________________
Project Description:
Parcel Number: ______________________ Estimated Project Valuation: $ ___________________________
I/We as applicant(s) for the Housing Tax Abatement certify that no construction has begun or will begin prior
to the taxing authority’s decision on my/our application. For the purposes of this provision, construction shall
include the installation of footings, slab, foundation, posts, walls or other portions of a building. Site
preparation, land clearing or the installation of utilities shall not constitute construction.
Attach building plans, site map, and parcel information. (Include letter of consent from property owner if subject to purchase agreement.)
Signature of Applicant: _________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Signature of Applicant: _________________________________________ Date: ____________________
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY: ELIGIBLE/APPLICABLE APPROVALS
______________________________________ Date: ____________________
______________________________________ Date: ____________________
Martin County
City of Fairmont
School District ______________________________________ Date: ____________________
Disclaimer: Each taxing entity makes its own decision on approval or denial of application for tax
abatement. Applications must comply with all requirements of the program as outlined in program
guidelines and build within allotted time frame or tax abatement offer will be automatically terminated.
Building cannot start until such time as all taxing entities have approved and written authorization is provided.
Please submit completed applications to:
For questions or additional information call:
Housing Tax Abatement Application
(Application Period through 12/31/2024)
City of Fairmont Economic Development
100 Downtown Plaza
Fairmont, MN 56031
Email: lpreuss@fairmont.org
507-238-3925
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for your interest in the Lake City Revolving Loan Fund (RLF). The RLF is a public
source of money from which loans are made for business development projects. The RLF is a low-
interest, deferred payment loan program that can be used to leverage additional private sources of
funding. When interest and principal payments are made to the RLF from outstanding loans, the
money “revolves” and can be made available to other borrowers.
The Lake City Revolving Loan Fund may not be used as the primary source of financing for a
project. The RLF is typically used to fill a “financing gap” in a business development project if a
business owner lacks the funds to meet the equity requirements of traditional bank financing. By
combining public and private financing, the risk for the primary lender is reduced which yields an
overall lower cost of money for the borrower.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
Businesses must be located, or willing to relocate within the corporate boundaries of the City of
Lake City to be considered for a loan.
ELIGIBLE USES OF RLF INELIGIBLE USES OF RLF
• Land & Building Acquisition • Debt Refinancing
• Land Improvements • Working Capital
• New Building Construction • Equipment Relocation
• Building Renovation
• Machinery, Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment
• Routine maintenance that does not extend
the life of the structure
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1. The term is determined by the RLF Committee and fixed at 5-years or less.
2. Minimum loan fixed interest rate shall equal 5%.
3. Minimum loan amount is $5,000.
4. Maximum loan amount shall not exceed $25,000.
5. RLF Loan shall not exceed 50% of the total project costs.
6. Applicant will pay for legal, recording and other fees directly attributable to the processing
and closing of the loan.
7. Immediate repayment of the entire outstanding balance of the loan will be made if the
business relocates outside the corporate limits of the City of Lake City.
8. All construction and renovation must comply with City Codes and policies.
9. Security requirements will be determined by the RLF Committee and will be consistent with
financial industry standards.
10. Life insurance, key man policy, and business interruption policies may be required.
11. Applicant must be willing to sign a personal guaranty.
12. A project may commence after the City Council of Lake City has approved the loan.
13. No building construction may commence until the required City permits have been secured.
14. A loan recipient may apply for an extension of the RLF Loan at a higher interest rate.
Extensions must include repayment of principal and interest and be reviewed by the RLF
Committee and approved by the City Council.
PROCEDURE
Applicant should allow approximately 30 days once the completed application and all required
documentation is submitted. The EDA Executive Director is available to assist with all stages of
the application process. The RLF Committee will review the loan request utilizing financial industry
standards including but not limited to:
1. Applicant is credit worthy
2. Applicant can show lender commitments
3. Applicant is willing to sign a personal guaranty
4. Applicant can pledge adequate collateral
5. Applicant can inject adequate equity
REVOLVING LOAN COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIP
1. City Council Members (May include Mayor) 2
2. Economic Development Authority Members 2
3. City of Lake City Finance Director (Advisory) 1
4. EDA Executive Director (Advisory) 1
5. Community Representative 1
Total RLF Committee Members 7 (5 Voting Members + 2 Advisory)
LOAN MONITORING
The City Finance Director/Treasurer will prepare a monthly management report which describes
loans as either current, past due or in default and any actions taken to date. This information will
be made available to the EDA Executive Director who will report this information in writing to
the City Council on a quarterly basis.
Company financial documents will be available for inspection upon request of the Lake City
Revolving Loan Committee during the active term of the loan.
Applicant meets
with EDA
Director to discuss
project
Applicant submits
completed application
& ALL required
attachments
RLF Committee reviews
application & makes
recommendation to
City Council
EDA Executive Director
presents recommendation
at the next regularly
scheduled City Council
meeting
If approved
EDA Director
prepares the
Development
Agreement
Legal review
Upon completion,
The loan is closed
&
Documents
recorded
Loan recipient commences
with monthly payments according to
repayment schedule
DELINQUENCY AND DEFAULT
Past Due Balances:
A loan payment is considered past due fifteen (15) days after the payment due date.
The loan will be considered in default thirty (30) days after failure to make a scheduled payment.
Process:
After fifteen (15) days - The borrower will receive written notification that their loan
payment is past due, that a late payment fee has been assessed and
the amount due to return the loan to a current status.
After thirty (30) days – The borrower will receive 2nd notice of default including: late fees
that have been assessed, the amount due to return the loan to a
current status and notification that collection procedures will
commence in thirty (30) days if no action is taken to resolve this
matter.
After sixty (60) days – The borrower will receive a final notice of default stating that all
other attempts to collect on this debt have been unsuccessful,
therefore, if the borrower does not contact the City within ten
(10) business days to resolve this matter collections procedures
will commence.
Remedies in the event of default:
If a borrower knows that they will be late making a scheduled loan payment, or have fallen
behind on regular monthly payments they are encouraged to contact the City Finance
Director/Treasurer at 651-345-5383 to schedule a payment plan.
Fees and Penalties:
• Late payment fee – $10.00 for payments received more than fifteen (15) days past due.
• Returned check fee - $30.00 will be charged for each returned check.
Collections:
Collections are the last source of repayment and will begin seventy (70) days after the payment
due date if no actions are taken by the borrower to resolve the default. The City will make every
reasonable effort to resolve this issue with the borrower prior to commencing with collections
actions. If, after seventy (70) days, the City is unable to negotiate an alternative with the
borrower, collections will be pursued in accordance with approved policy guidelines and
applicable laws. All costs associated with collection proceedings will be the responsibility of the
borrower.
• The Economic Development Director will work with the proper legal authority to recover
collateral from the borrower that was used to secure the loan and arrange for its sale.
• Judgments are filed against the borrower for any remaining balance on the loan owed after
the sale of collateral.
• The borrower will be ineligible for future revolving loans with the City.
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
APPLICATION
PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 30 DAYS TO COMPLETE THIS PROCESS
1. General information:
Business Name: ________________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: _________________________ Fax #: ________________________
Contact Person: ________________________________ Email: __________________________
Business Form: _____ Corporation _____ Partnership _____ Sole Proprietorship
State of Incorporation or Organization: ___________________ Date: ___________________
SIC Code: _____________ Federal ID: _____________ State ID: _____________
2. Ownership Information (a separate sheet of paper may be attached if more than 2)
Name: ______________________________ Name: _________________________________
Percentage Owned: __________% Percentage Owned: __________%
Home Address: _______________________ Home Address: ___________________________
City: ___________ State: ____ Zip: _______ City: _____________ State: ____ Zip: ________
Phone: ______________________________ Phone: _________________________________
Social Security #: ______________________ Social Security #: _________________________
3. Brief description of the business:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
4. Briefly describe the proposed project:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
5. Estimated Project Costs:
a. Land Acquisition $ ____________________
b. Building Acquisition ____________________
c. Building Construction/Renovation ____________________
d. Equipment/Machinery ____________________
e. Architectural/Engineering Fees ____________________
f. Site Improvement Costs ____________________
g. Inventory ____________________
h. Working Capital ____________________
i. Other (please specify) ____________________
j. Other (please specify) ____________________
Total $ ____________________
6. Sources of Financing:
*Written letters of commitment are required for all sources of financing other than the Revolving Loan
a. Equity $ ____________________
b. Bank Loan ____________________
c. RLF ____________________
d. Other (please specify) ____________________
Total $ ____________________
7. Professional services of applicant:
Architectural Firm/Contact: _______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: __________________________ Fax #: ______________________________
Engineering Firm/Contact: ________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: __________________________ Fax #: ______________________________
General Contractor/Contact: ______________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: __________________________ Fax #: ______________________________
Attorney Firm/Contact: __________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________________ Fax #: ______________________________
Accounting Firm/Contact: ________________________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________________ Fax #: ______________________________
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
8. Proposed project schedule:
Start Date: _____________________ Completion Date: _____________________
9. Current and projected employment:
Type Existing Jobs After Completion Wage
Professional/Managerial _____ FT _____ PT _____ FT _____ PT $ ________/______
Technical/Skilled _____ FT _____ PT _____ FT _____ PT $ ________/______
Unskilled/Semi-skilled _____ FT _____ PT _____ FT _____ PT $ ________/______
10. Reason for seeking RLF financing assistance for this project:
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
11. Certification
I hereby certify that all the above responses and the attachments hereto are true and correct to the
best of my knowledge. I hereby authorize the City of Lake City, or its designees to contact any or
all individuals or corporations named herein for confirmation of the information provided in the
application. I understand that any false statement contained in the application or the attachments
hereto may result in the rejection of the application. I further state that I am aware that the Lake
City Revolving Loan Fund Committee is subject to the open meeting laws of the State of
Minnesota and that the application information and all required attachments will become public
data once a funding decision has been reached. I am aware that until such time as a funding
decision has been reached that the application materials will be considered nonpublic data other
than company name, address and other identifying information.
Printed Name: ____________________________________ Title: ________________________
Signature: ________________________________________ Date: _______________________
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
Required Attachments Checklist
_____ Business plan and/or market feasibility information which addresses the business'
products or services and identifies existing and potential major customers and
competitors.
_____ Three years historical financial statements (balance sheet, profit and loss statement and
a reconciliation of net worth) or Prior three years of tax statements for businesses with no
formal financial statements.
_____ Personal Financial Statement (attached) and résumé for each principal in the business.
_____ Projected earnings report.
_____ Documentation confirming applicants interest in the subject property (copy of lease,
title deed, contract for deed, etc).
_____ A list of major equipment or classes of equipment to be acquired with reliable vendor
cost estimates for new machinery and equipment purchases, and an appraisal for used
machinery and equipment acquisitions.
_____ Written letters of commitment for all sources of leveraging other than the Revolving
Loan. Loans from financial institutions used as leverage shall indicate approval as
well as the loan amount, the specified term and rate, collateral, and conditions
attendant to the loan. Equity contributions shall be documented through signed letters
from the benefiting business.
_____ Documentation of the legal status of the borrower and authorization to enter into the
loan, including:
______ Secretary of State’s Certificate of Good Standing
______ Letter from the County Auditor/Treasurer verifying there are no past due real
estate taxes or special assessments owed by the applicant
_____ Signed Information Release Authorization form(s)
The Borrower may be asked to provide additional information as appropriate or necessary to
facilitate the processing of the loan. Additional information including but not limited to: articles
of incorporation and bylaws, a resolution or agreement to borrow funds, an environmental
analysis for real estate loans, if justified may be requested at the discretion of the RLF
Committee or the Common Council of the City of Lake City.
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
Information Release Authorization
You are hereby authorized to release to the Lake City Revolving Loan Fund Committee, its
successors and assigns and information you may possess regarding the following:
• Employment history, dates of employment, title, income, stability, etc.
• Banking and savings accounts, deposits and balance verifications.
• All loan ratings, opening date, high credit, payment amount, loan balances, payment
records and payoff information.
• Any other information requested in connection with a determination of credit worthiness.
This information is for the use of the Lake City Revolving Loan Fund Committee and its
investors, successors and assigns in connection with my/our application and the conduct of “Post
Closing” Quality Control Audits as required by various government and quasi-government
agencies.
A photocopy of this authorization for the business and individuals, bearing the photocopied
signatures of the undersigned, may be deemed to be the equivalent of the original and may be
treated and used as a duplicate original.
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Business Name Federal Tax Identification Number
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Address State Tax Identification Number
____________________________________ ____________________________________
City, State, Zip Telephone Number
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Full Name and Title (please print) Social Security Number and Date of Birth
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Signature Date
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Full Name and Title (please print) Social Security Number and Date of Birth
____________________________________ ____________________________________
Signature Date
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
Business Plan Outline
1. Description of Business 5. Facilities
Name and Location Location
Legal Structure Size and zoning
Principal Owners Age and condition
Nature of the business Expansion opportunities
History of the business
Franchise: Franchise agreement 6. Management and Personnel
Management expertise
2. Product or Service Key personnel (position, qualifications)
Describe product or type of service Professional services
Describe materials & supply sources Present & future requirements
Methods of production Personnel – (skill level, hours, wage, etc.)
Quality & cost of production/service
7. Benefits to the Community
3. Market Information Jobs created/retained
Market area and trends Building rehabilitation
Customers & potential new customers Meeting community needs
Competition, names, locations & size Increase community tax base
Advantage of your product/service
8. Summary of Future Plans
4. Advertising Short range and long range
Methods of advertising and promotion Expansion
Sales methods Relocation
Pricing policy 3 years of projections (year 1 by month)
Customer service
** The business plan is an important component to your loan package. It will show
how well your proposal has been thought out. One paragraph for each number item is
sufficient.
An overall length of 2-5 pages is adequate.
LAKE CITY REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
Personal Financial Statement
All owners holding 20% or more of the share equity in the Company are required to submit the following:
Name: _______________________ Date: _______________
Assets Amount in Dollars Liabilities Amount in Dollars
Cash - checking accounts $ - Current Debt (Credit cards, Accounts) $ -
Cash - savings accounts - Notes payable (describe below) -
Certificates of deposit - Taxes payable -
Securities - stocks / bonds / mutual funds - Real estate mortgages (describe) -
Notes & contracts receivable - Other liabilities (specify) -
Life insurance (cash surrender value) - Other liabilities (specify) -
Personal property (autos, jewelry, etc.) - Total Liabilities $ -
Retirement Funds (eg. IRAs, 401k) - -
Real estate (market value) - -
Other assets (specify) - -
Other assets (specify) - -
Total Assets $ - Net Worth $ -
Dependents (Name, Age, Relationship) Bank
1. ______________________________________________ Address_________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________ Checking Acct. # _________________________________
3. ______________________________________________ Savings Acct. # __________________________________
Real Estate
Address: _________________________________ Estimated Value Remaining Balance
Monthly Payments $ ________________________ $ ________________ $ ________________
Mortgage payable to. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . __________________________________________
Address: _________________________________
Monthly Payments $ ________________________ $ ________________ $ ________________
Mortgage payable to. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . __________________________________________
Notes Payable To whom payable Collateral Monthly payment Unpaid balance
1. ______________________ __________________ $ __________________ $ ____________________
2. ______________________ __________________ $ __________________ $ ____________________
3. ______________________ __________________ $ __________________ $ ____________________
4. ______________________ __________________ $ __________________ $ ____________________
5. ______________________ __________________ $ __________________ $ ____________________
Signature: _________________________________ Date: _________________________
1 10/14/2009
CITY OF LAKE CITY
&
LAKE CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
TAX ABATEMENT FINANCING POLICY
Cities are authorized pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 469.1812 through 469.1815 to
provide tax abatements for economic development purposes. In determining whether or
not the City of Lake City/EDA should utilize tax abatements for economic development
purposes, the following factors will be considered:
• The benefits to the City must be at least equal to the costs of the abatement.
• Whether the public interest will be served in one of the following respects:
♦ Increase or preserve the tax base
♦ Provide employment opportunities in the City
♦ Provide or help acquire or construct public facilities
♦ Help or develop or renew blighted areas
♦ Help provide access to services for residents of the City
• Total tax abatements in the City cannot exceed ten percent (10%) of the current
net levy or $200,000 whichever is greater.
• The extent to which the proposal adds to the City’s net commercial, industrial or
general tax base
• Whether or not the proposal provides services not already provided in the City or
which are needed.
• The extent to which the proposal results in an increase in new employment
opportunities that provide good wages and benefits for employees, or the retention
of good jobs. Proposals that provide quality employment, which is paid above the
minimum wage, and provides prospects for advancement, are preferred.
• Establishments which will be engaged in the retail sales of merchandise or
services to the public will not be considered for economic development tax
abatements unless they provide substantial opportunities for quality employment
and economic development, substantial tax base or are part of the redevelopment
of a substantially underutilized property.
• The City/EDA does not support tax abatements for proposals that are not
economically feasible. Any developer requesting business assistance should be
able to demonstrate past successful general development capability as well as
specific capability in the type and size of development proposed.
2 10/14/2009
• The fundamental purpose of Tax Abatement Financing is to encourage desirable
projects that would not otherwise occur “but for” the assistance provided through
Tax Abatement Financing.
• The project should maximize the amount of private development investment in a
site.
• The extent to which the project represents “new” dollars into the City. The
City/EDA will not consider a tax abatement application that abates existing tax
dollars unless the proposed project leads to significant job creation or retention. In
either case a minimum of 25 jobs must be created or retained.
• Each project will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
• In the case of job retention, to demonstrate the need for public subsidy in order to
retain jobs, the applicant will submit a pro forma showing cash flows and
resulting profit margins with and without the subsidy being requested. The
application must indicate:
♦ That target profit margins are not being met without the subsidy and will
result in the elimination or relocation of jobs within the community.
♦ The jobs being retained as a result of the subsidy and will submit reports
each year verifying the continued existence of said jobs within the
community.
♦ Failure to retain those jobs for a period of time (agreed upon and specified
within the Development Agreement) will require the repayment of a
prorated share of any subsidy provided plus interest.
• The extent to which the project requires improvements in all aspects of City
infrastructure.
• Whether or not the project will generate significant environmental problems or
alleviate such problems.
• Tax abatements cannot be considered in conjunction with an existing Tax
Increment Financing District. The term of anabatement on a parcel of property
may be granted for up to 15 years for each taxing entity (8 year maximum if no
initial duration is specified) or 20 years if one taxing jurisdiction does not
participate. If an abatement has been granted to a parcel of property and the
period of the abatement has expired, the political subdivision that granted the
abatement may not grant another abatement for eight years after the expiration of
the first abatement.
• The City may grant an abatement for a period of up to 20 years, if the abatement
is for a qualified business. Qualified businesses have at least 50 percent of the
payroll of the operations of the business that qualify for the abatement are
engaged in one of the following lines of business or any combination of them:
♦ Manufacturing
♦ Agricultural processing
♦ Mining
♦ Research and development
♦ Warehousing
♦ Qualified high technology
3 10/14/2009
Alternatively, a qualified business also includes a taxpayer whose real and personal
property is subject to valuation under MN Rules, chapter 8100.
• The City/EDA may limit the amount of the abatement to the following:
♦ A specific dollar amount per year or in total,
♦ The increase in property taxes resulting from the project,
♦ The increases in property taxes resulting from increases in market value or tax
capacity of the property,
♦ The tax attributable to the value of land may not be abated,
♦ Any other criterion the City/EDA determines is appropriate.
• Each project will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Tax abatement assistance can be provided in one of two different forms. The preferred
form is “pay as you go” wherein the City compensates the applicant for a predetermined
amount for a predetermined number of years. Annual payments are reissued to the
applicant with tax dollars after payment of property taxes by the applicant. The
City/EDA will give special consideration to applicants applying for “pay as you go”
assistance.
Another form of assistance is “up front” payment to the applicant wherein the City must
issue revenue or general obligation bonds, or use cash reserves. The increment generated
from the applicant’s project is then used for repayment of the bonds. The City/EDA
because of the additional risk incurred in case of default does not look upon this form of
assistance favorably, and will only consider this form of assistance if the applicant is able
to demonstrate, to the City’s sole satisfaction, the need for “up front” payment.
The City/EDA shall require a deposit in the amount of $5,000 from the applicant for the
City/EDA's consultants to investigate the feasibility of providing tax abatement financing
assistance to the applicant's project whether it is by the creation of a new tax increment
financing district or the modification of a current district. If the costs reach the deposited
amount, the City/EDA shall notify the applicant in writing and the applicant will be
required to deposit additional funds prior to any additional work on the project being
completed. The additional deposit required would include an aggregate total from the
consultants to finish their work and other costs that are expected to be incurred.
If the project is approved and the applicant proceeds with the project, the City/EDA shall
reimburse any remaining applicant's deposit or bill the applicant for any additional fees
incurred above the initial deposit. If the applicant does not proceed with the project, the
City/EDA shall reimburse the applicant for the unused portion of the deposit.
The procedure to receive tax abatement is:
• Applicant meets with the EDA Director, discusses the project and receives an
application.
• Applicant submits the completed application, deposit, plans and specifications,
financial information including past information and pro forma future projections
for the project and company information to the EDA Director.
4 10/14/2009
• EDA Director meets with the City Administrator to discuss the project including
conformity with the City policies and plans.
• EDA Director discusses project with the City/EDA's tax abatement consultants
and receives a not to exceed quote for completing the work should the EDA
Board accept the project as feasible for tax abatement financing.
• Project is placed on the EDA Agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting.
• The EDA Director and applicant present the project to the EDA Board.
• Within 10 days, the EDA will determine to accept or reject the application and
deposit. If rejected, nothing further happens and deposit is returned.
• If the EDA Board accepts the application and deposit, staff will be directed to
work with the consultants and City Staff to put together a tax abatement financing
plan and enter into negotiations with the applicant to secure agreeable terms for
the development agreement. The development agreement will not be drafted until
after City Council approval.
• Upon completion of a draft of the tax abatement financing plan, district plan and
development agreement terms that are agreeable to the applicant, the EDA Board
will hold a special meeting to discuss these drafts.
• If approved, the EDA Board will make a recommendation to the City Council to
proceed with allowing this project to move forward.
• The EDA Director, applicant and consultants will make a presentation to the City
Council and request public hearings and other statutory items be scheduled and
other board reviewal scheduled, if appropriate.
• The public hearings will be conducted and after hearing the public input and
receiving other board recommendations, the City Council may: 1) accept the
plans and recommendations and direct staff to complete these plans, 2) reject the
plans and project or 3) modify the plans accordingly and re-enter negotiations.
If/once approved and both parties sign the documents, construction may commence.
Criteria for Economic Development Abatements
In considering whether or not the City/EDA should approve Tax Abatements for a
specific project, the following will be considered, in addition to the statutory and
City/EDA restrictions listed above. These points will be specifically defined in an
Economic Development Agreement between the City of Lake City and the Developer:
• Equal consideration will be given to both existing business expansion and new
businesses locating in the county.
• The extent that the use of Tax Abatements would create an unfair and significant
competitive financial advantage over existing projects in the area.
• The extent that the developer is able to demonstrate a market demand for a
proposed project.
• Tax Abatements will not be used in circumstances where land and/or property
price is in excess of fair market value.
• The extent to which the project increases costs for road construction, traffic
control, law enforcement, human services and other budgetary items.
• The extent to which other public assistance is provided to the project.
5 10/14/2009
• The nature and type of the new development.
• Redevelops area that has experienced blight or contamination and/or brownfields
remediation and environmental cleanup. For this purpose, the term “brownfields”
is defined as abandoned, idled or under-used industrial or commercial facilities
where expansion or redevelopment is complicated by real or perceived
environmental contamination.
• If the Tax Abatements will be used to facilitate the relocation of commercial or
industrial enterprises within the City, the effects of the relocation on the former
neighborhood will be considered and analyzed.
• The proposal must include property identification numbers or legal descriptions
and must be an existing parcel of record.
• The extent, to which the project adds to, diversifies or preserves the city’s net
commercial, industrial or general tax base.
• The project must be consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use
Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Transportation Plan.
• The extent that Tax Abatements will result in development on sites which would
not otherwise be developed.
• The developer shall demonstrate that the project is not financially feasible but-for
the use of tax abatements. This requirement must include tax abatements and all
other sources of funds from other government jurisdictions, private sector and
non-profit organizations.
The City/EDA requires that an Economic Development Agreement be
completed for each Tax Abatement project. Recommendations of the City/EDA will
be the basis of the Agreement. The Agreement will contain specific language
regarding the following items:
• A base application fee of $5,000 will be charged at the time the application
is formally submitted. After an initial analysis of the project, the City/EDA may
propose a fee for administrative and investigative work on the project. The
City/EDA may deduct administrative fees from the abatement during the life of
the project, if so outlined at the beginning of the project.
• A cash equity investment by the developer will be determined through analysis of
the project by an EDA recommendation.
• The developer must provide adequate financial guarantees to ensure completion
of the projects, such as: assessment agreements, letters of credit, personal
guaranties, financing commitments, etc.
• The Developer shall adequately demonstrate, to the City/EDA’s sole satisfaction,
an ability to complete the proposed project based on past development experience,
general reputation, and credit history, among other factors, including the size and
scope of the proposed project.
• For the purposes of underwriting the proposal, the developer shall provide any
requested market, financial, environmental, or other data requested by the
City/EDA or its consultants, at a cost to be paid by the Developer.
• The Tax Abatement will not be transferable to another party without City/EDA
approval.
• Rescission of Tax Abatement Benefits
6 10/14/2009
• Rescission of benefits is at the sole discretion of the taxing authority and is
considered on a case-by-case basis, and will be stated in each Economic
Development Agreement. Reasons for rescission of the abatement benefits,
interest, and penalties include:
♦ Sale or closure of the facility and departure of the company from the jurisdiction.
♦ Significant change in the use of the facility and/or the business activities of the
company.
♦ Employment reductions not reflective of the company’s normal business cycle
and/or local and national economic conditions.
♦ Failure to comply with annual reporting requirements.
♦ Significant departure from the goals of the project.
SUBSIDY AGREEMENT & REPORTING REQUIRMENTS
Business Subsidy
Tax abatement is a business subsidy, as defined in MS 116J.993 to 116J.995, and is
subject to the reporting requirements under that law as summarized below.
All developers/businesses receiving Tax Abatement assistance shall enter into a Subsidy
Agreement with City of Lake City that identifies: the reason for the subsidy, the public
purpose served by the subsidy, and the goals for the subsidy, as well as other criteria set
forth by statute 116J.993.
The developer/business shall file a report annually for two years after the date the benefit
is received or until all goals set forth in the application and performance agreement have
been meet, whichever is later. Reports shall be completed using the format drafted by the
State of Minnesota and shall be filed with City/EDA no later than March 1 of each year
for the previous calendar year. Applicants fulfilling job creation requirements must file a
report to that effect with the City/EDA within 30 days of meeting the requirements.
The developer/business owner shall maintain and operate its facility at the site where Tax
Abatement assistance is used for a period of five years after the benefit is received.
In addition to attaining or exceeding the jobs and wages goals set forth in the Subsidy
Agreement, the borrower shall achieve at least one of the criteria set forth in each of
Sections 3.1 A and 3.1 B of this document.
Developers/Businesses failing to comply with the above provisions will be subject to
fines, repayment requirements, and be deemed ineligible by the State to receive any loans
or grants from public entities for a period of five years. Costs will be assessed against the
property.
* Subsidies greater than $150,000 require their own public hearing*
7 10/14/2009
PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 90 DAYS TO COMPLETE THIS PROCESS!
TAX ABATEMENT FINANCING APPLICATION
1. General information:
Business Name: __________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
Telephone #: _____________________ Fax #: _________________ Email: __________
Contact Person: ______________________________________________
Business Form: ___ Corporation ___ Partnership ___ Sole Proprietorship
State of Incorporation or Organization: _________________
Years in Business: _________ Years a Lake City Business: ___________
2. Brief description of the business:
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Proposed project site:
Location: ___________________ Present Ownership: ________________
Zoning: ____________________ Rezoning Required: ________________
Will property be subdivided? ___ If so, please attach a layout of planned subdivision.
Will variances of the Zoning Ordinance be requested? ___ If so, please list.
4. Estimated Project Costs:
a. Land Acquisition $ ____________________
b. Site Development ____________________
c. Building Cost ____________________
d. Equipment ____________________
e. Architectural/Engineering Fees ____________________
f. Legal Fees ____________________
g. Financing Costs ____________________
h. Broker Costs ____________________
i. Contingencies ____________________
j. Other (please specify) ____________________
Total $ ____________________
8 10/14/2009
5. Total Estimated Market Value at completion: $________________
6. Description of proposed project: Building square footage, size of
property, description of buildings, materials, etc.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
7. Sources of Financing:
a. Equity $ ____________________
b. Bank Loan ____________________
c. Tax Abatement Assistance ____________________
d. Other (please specify) ____________________
Total $ ____________________
8. Form of tax abatement financing assistance requested:
Pay As You Go ________
Bond Issuance ________
9. Requested tax amount to be abated: $ ____________ per year
10. Requested duration of abatement: ____ years
11. Has a tax abatement application been submitted to the County or School District?
______ If so, please provide details of the requested abatement.
12. Description of expected financial benefit to the City:
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
13. Professional services of applicant:
Architectural Firm/Contact: _________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________ Fax #: _____________________
Engineering Firm/Contact: __________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________ Fax #: _____________________
9 10/14/2009
General Contractor/Contact: _________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________ Fax #: _____________________
Attorney Firm/Contact: ____________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________ Fax #: _____________________
Accounting Firm/Contact: __________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
Telephone #: ___________________ Fax #: _____________________
14. Project construction schedule:
a. Construction Start Date: _____________________
b. Construction Completion Date: _____________________
If construction will not be completed at year end, what % of construction will be
completed by year end? ___%
15. Current and projected employment:
Type Existing Jobs First Year Second Year Wage
Professional/Managerial ____ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT $ ____/___
Technical/Skilled __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT $ ____/___
Unskilled/Semi-skilled __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT $ ____/___
16. Statement of necessity for the use of tax abatement financing assistance
for the project:
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
17. Signatures:
I declare that any statement in this application or information provided herein is true and
complete in substance and in fact. Also, I authorize this information to be released to the
appropriate agencies that may be able to assist in this request.
Name of Business: ________________________________________________________
By: _____________________________Title: ________________ Date: __________
10 10/14/2009
1
CITY OF LAKE CITY
&
LAKE CITY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
TAX INCREMENT FINANCING POLICY
I. PURPOSE:
The purpose of this policy is to establish the City/EDA’s position as it relates to the use of tax increment financing for
private development. This policy shall be used as a guideline in processing and reviewing applications requesting tax
increment assistance.
II. GENERAL POLICY:
While tax increment financing is an important and useful tool in attracting and retaining businesses, it is essential that it
is used appropriately to accomplish the City/EDA's economic development goals and objectives. The fundamental
principle which makes tax increment financing viable is that it is designed to encourage development which would not
otherwise occur. The City/EDA is responsible to assure that the project would not occur "but for" the assistance
provided through tax increment financing.
The City/EDA shall consider tax increment financing in cases that serve to accomplish the City/EDA's targeted goals
for economic development as they may change over time. These goals include projects that would result in the creation
of jobs that pay wages to support households, increase the tax base, remove blight, retain the viability of the central
business district and the retention and expansion of businesses.
III. DESCRIPTION OF TAX INCREMENT FINANCING:
With tax increment financing, the increase in assessed valuation and tax revenues attributed to the new development
pay for eligible new development costs. The tax increment is the difference in assessed valuation and tax revenues
generated by the property in the district after construction compared with the assessed valuation and tax revenues
generated by the property before construction at the time of "certification". This difference in assessed valuation and
tax revenues is used to pay the current eligible development costs.
Any project utilizing tax increment financing requires the usage of at least two Minnesota State Statutes. These
statutes are: A) the statute creating the project area and specifying its public purpose and B) the statute establishing the
means to finance the project by creating a tax increment financing district.
IV. STATUTORY LIMITATIONS:
In accordance with the tax increment policy, tax increment financing requests must comply with applicable state
statutes. The City/EDA is governed by the limitations established in the Minnesota Tax Increment Financing Act
(M.S. 469.174-469.1791, as amended.) for all districts created after August 1, 1979.
V. ELIGIBLE USES FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
As a matter of adopted policy, the City/EDA will consider using tax increment financing to assist private developments
only in those circumstances in which the proposed private projects meet one or more of the following uses:
A. To redevelop blighted or under-utilized areas of the community
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B. To meet the following housing-related uses:
1. To provide a diversity of housing adjacent to the downtown area;
2. To provide a variety of housing ownership alternatives and housing choices;
3. To promote affordable housing for low- or moderate-income individuals; or
4. To promote neighborhood stabilization and revitalization by the removal of blight
and the upgrading of existing housing stock in residential areas.
C. To remove blight and encourage redevelopment in the commercial and industrial areas of the
community in order to encourage high levels of property maintenance and private reinvestment
in those areas;
D. To increase the tax base of the City in order to ensure the city’s long-term ability to provide
adequate services for its residents while lessening the reliance on residential property tax;
E. To retain local jobs, increase the local job base, and provide diversity in that job base;
F. To increase the local business and industrial market potential of the City.
G. To provide adequate short-term business and shopper parking, and resident parking;
H. To encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either directly or
through secondary “spin-off” development;
I. To offset increased costs of redevelopment, over and above those costs that a developer would
incur in normal urban and suburban development;
J. To accelerate the development process and to achieve development on sites which would not
be developed without this assistance; or
K. To meet other uses of public policy, as adopted by the City/EDA from time to time, including
promotion of quality urban design, quality architectural design, energy conservation,
decreasing the capital and operating costs of local government, etc.
VI. TAX INCREMENT PROJECT APPROVAL CRITERIA:
All new projects approved by the City/EDA should meet the following mandatory minimum approval criteria.
However, it should not be presumed that a project meeting these criteria will automatically be approved. Meeting these
criteria creates no contractual rights on the part of any potential developer.
A. The tax increment financing assistance shall be provided within applicable state legislative
restrictions, debt limit guidelines, and other appropriate financial requirements and policies.
B. The project should meet one or more of the above adopted tax increment financing goals of the
City/EDA.
C. The project must be in accord with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances, or
required changes to the plan and ordinances must be under active consideration by the City at
the time of approval.
D. Tax increment financing assistance will not be provided solely to broaden a developer’s profit
margins on a project. Prior to consideration of a tax increment financing assistance request,
the City/EDA may undertake an independent underwriting of the project to help ensure that
the request for assistance is valid.
E. The City/EDA will need to make a finding that the proposed development would not be
reasonably expected to occur solely through private investment within the reasonably
foreseeable future and therefore the use of tax increment financing is deemed necessary.
F. The City/EDA will need to make a finding that the increased market value of the site that
could reasonably be expected to occur without the use of tax increment financing would be
less than the increase in market value estimated to result from the proposed development after
subtracting the present value of the projected tax increments for the maximum duration of the
district permitted by the plan.
G. Prior to approval of a tax increment financing plan, the developer shall provide any required
market and financial feasibility studies, appraisals, soil boring information provided to private
lenders for the project, and other information or data that the City/EDA or its’ financial
consultants may require in order to proceed with an independent underwriting.
H. To ensure cash flows are adequate, projects receiving tax increment financing assistance “up
front” will be analyzed on a debt service coverage ratio.
3
I. The developer should provide adequate financial guarantees to ensure repayment of the “up
front” tax increment financing assistance. These may include, but are not limited to,
assessment agreements, letters of credit, etc.
J. Any developer requesting tax increment financing assistance should be able to demonstrate
past successful general development capability as well as specific capability in the type and
size of development proposed.
K. The developer should retain ownership of the project at least long enough to complete it, to
stabilize its’ occupancy, to establish the project management, and to initiate repayment of the
tax increment financing, if any is required.
L. The level of tax increment financing funding should be reduced to the lowest possible level by
maximizing the use of private debt and equity financing first, and then using other funding
sources or income-producing vehicles that can be structured into the project financing, prior to
using additional tax increment financing funding.
VII. TAX INCREMENT PROJECT EVALUATION CRITERIA:
All projects will be evaluated on the following criteria for comparison with other proposed tax increment financing
projects reviewed by the City/EDA and for comparison with other subsidy standards (where appropriate). Changes in
local markets, costs of construction, and interest rates may cause changes in the amounts of tax increment subsidies that
a given project may require at any given time.
Some criteria, by their very nature, must remain subjective. However, wherever possible, “benchmark” criteria have
been established for review purposes. The fact that a given proposal meets one or more “benchmark” criteria does not
mean that it is entitled to funding under this policy, but rather that the City/EDA is in a position to proceed with
evaluations of (and comparisons between) various tax increment financing proposals, using uniform standards
whenever possible.
Following are the evaluation criteria that will be used by the City/EDA:
A. All tax increment financing proposals should optimize the private development potential of
a site.
B. All tax increment financing proposals should obtain the highest possible private to public
financial investment ratio.
C. All tax increment financing proposals should create the highest number of new jobs on the
site. There shall be an analysis of newly created or retained full-time equivalent jobs as
compared to the amount of financing assistance provided for industrial projects. Housing
and retail/commercial projects shall be reviewed on an individual project basis.
VIII. COSTS ELIGIBLE FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ASSISTANCE:
Project costs qualifying for tax increment financing assistance, as defined under the TIF Act, include: utilities design,
landscape design, architectural and engineering fees directly attributable to site work, site related permits,
earthwork/excavation, soils corrections, landscaping, utility construction (sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water),
streets and roads, street/parking lot paving, street/parking lot lights, curb and gutter, sidewalks, land acquisition,
building demolition, relocation of occupants, special assessments, legal (acquisition, financing and closing fees), soils
tests and environmental studies, surveys, title insurance and TIF application deposit.
IX. TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:
Tax increment financing can by provided in two different forms. One form is "pay as you go" wherein the City
compensates the applicant for a predetermined amount for a predetermined number of years. Annual payments are
based on increment generated from the project and issued to the applicant after payment of property taxes by the
applicant. The City/EDA will give special consideration to applicants applying for "pay as you go" assistance.
Another form of assistance is "up front" payment to the applicant wherein the City must issue revenue or general
obligation bonds. The increment generated from the applicant's project is then used for repayment of bonds. This form
of assistance is not looked upon favorably by the City/EDA because of the additional risk incurred in case of default.
4
X. DEPOSIT REQUIRED WITH TAX INCREMENT FINANCING APPLICATION:
The City/EDA shall require a deposit in the amount of $7,500 from the applicant for the City/EDA's consultants to
investigate the feasibility of providing tax increment financing assistance to the applicant's project whether it be by the
creation of a new tax increment financing district or the modification of a current district. If the City/EDA incurs
additional expense beyond $5,000, prior to the execution of the Developer's Agreement, the City/EDA shall notify the
applicant in writing and the applicant will be required to deposit additional funds.
If the project is approved and the applicant proceeds with the project, the City/EDA shall reimburse the applicant's
deposit to the extent permissible under the TIF Act utilizing available tax increment dollars. If the applicant does not
proceed with the project, the City/EDA shall reimburse the applicant for the unused portion of the deposit.
XI. OTHER POLICY ISSUES:
Loss of Government Aid: changes to Minnesota Statutes mandate a reduction in the LGA/HACA payments from the
State to the City when new tax increment financing districts are formed. In the event a new tax increment financing
district is formed or a new project in an existing district created after 1991 is approved, the City will suffer an
LGA/HACA reduction from the State and/or may have other considerations mandated by current State Statute. This
will be a major consideration in determining the feasibility of the creation of a new or modification of an existing tax
increment financing district.
XII. SUBMITTAL OF FORMS:
Applicants requesting tax increment financing assistance within an existing district or in the creation of a new district
shall be required to complete and submit the following:
A. Request for tax increment financing application
B. Deposit of $7,500.00 (check made payable to the EDA)
C. Three copies of plans and specifications
XIII. PROCEDURE:
A. Applicant meets with the EDA Director, discusses the project and receives an application.
B. Applicant submits the completed application, deposit and plans and specifications to the
EDA Director.
C. EDA Director meets with the City Administrator to discuss the project including conformity
with the City policies and plans.
D. EDA Director discusses project with the City/EDA's tax increment consultants and receives
a not to exceed quote for completing the work should the EDA Board accept the project as
feasible for tax increment financing.
E. Project is placed on the EDA Agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting.
F. The EDA Director and applicant present the project to the EDA Board.
G. Within 10 days, the EDA will determine to accept or reject the application and deposit. If
rejected, nothing further happens and deposit is returned.
H. If the EDA Board accepts the application and deposit, staff will be directed to work with the
consultants and City Staff to put together a tax increment financing plan and district plan
and enter into negotiations with the applicant to secure agreeable terms for the development
agreement. The development agreement will not be drafted until after City Council
approval.
I. Upon completion of a draft of the tax increment financing plan, district plan and
development agreement terms that are agreeable to the applicant, the EDA Board will hold a
special meeting to discuss these drafts.
J. If approved, the EDA Board will make a recommendation to the City Council to proceed
with allowing this project to move forward.
K. The EDA Director, applicant and consultants will make a presentation to the City Council
and request public hearings and other statutory items be scheduled and other board reviewal
scheduled, if appropriate.
5
L. The public hearings will be conducted and after hearing the public input and receiving other
board recommendations, the City Council may: 1) accept the plans and recommendations
and direct staff to complete these plans, 2) reject the plans and project or 3) modify the plans
accordingly and reenter negotiations.
M. If/once approved and both parties sign the documents, construction may commence.
PLEASE ALLOW UP TO 90 DAYS TO COMPLETE THIS PROCESS!
Type Existing Jobs First Year Second Year Wage
Professional/Managerial __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT $ ____/___
Technical/Skilled __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT $ ____/___
Unskilled/Semi-skilled __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT __ FT __ PT $ ____/___
Business Financial Assistance
Application Policy
Purpose of Policy
The City of St. Cloud’s public financial assistance programs for business development
proposals will be administered by the Economic Development Authority (EDA) and in
accordance with the application policies and procedures adopted by the EDA and
City Council. Requests for the following forms of financial assistance are subject to this
policy:
Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
Tax Abatement
Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
MN Investment Fund (MIF)
MN Job Opportunity Building Zone Tax Exemptions (JOBZ)
The EDA incurs costs in the review, analysis and evaluation of development proposals
and other requests for public financing assistance. The EDA seeks to recover its legal
and financial consultant fees associated with the preparation of any development
contract for public financing assistance.
Developer Deposit for Business Financial Assistance Applications
At the time a formal application is submitted to the Economic Development Director, the
developer shall pay a deposit for reimbursement of the EDA’s costs expected to be
incurred. The standard initial deposit amount is $5,000.
The developer shall be responsible for all costs incurred by the EDA over and above the
initial deposit amount. In some cases, the developer will be required to deposit
additional funds when the initial deposit has been fully drawn. Depending on the
complexity of the development proposal, fees associated with a typical development
project can range from $10,000 to $20,000. Any funds deposited by the developer and
not expended by the EDA for its legal and financial consultant fees on or before the
date of execution of the development contract will be returned to the developer.
EDA Adopted: August 1, 2012
Economic Development
Revolving Loan Fund Program
HRA Original Adopted Policy March 2000
HRA Revised Policy June 2004
EDA Revised Policy October 2017
Each application submitted for assistance will be evaluated by the City on
a case-by-case basis to analyze the viability of a proposed project.
Depending on the exact nature and complexity of a project, the
estimated timeframe from application to approval is approximately two
months.
Revolving Loan Fund Policy Page | 2
City of St. Cloud EDA
CITY OF ST. CLOUD
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM
HRA Original Adopted Policy March 2000
HRA Revised Policy June 2004
EDA Revised Policy October 2017
I. BACKGROUND
The City of St. Cloud Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) program was
originated by the state-funded Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF) program awarded
through the Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) to the City
of St. Cloud. The RLF is administered by the Economic Development Authority of the
City of St. Cloud (EDA), and its predecessor St. Cloud Housing & Redevelopment
Authority under authorization provided by City Resolution 2004-6-165. Reuse of the RLF
funds is guided by this local policy, and state policies in Minn. Stat. 116J.8731 and the
Minnesota Business Subsidy Law (Minn. Stat. 116J.993 and 116J.994).
II. POLICY STATEMENT
The City of St. Cloud recognizes the need to stimulate private sector investment in order
to provide employment, diversify the economy and enhance the property tax base.
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of the City of St. Cloud makes as part of its
mission the increasing of job opportunities and tax base through leveraged investments,
including providing affordable loans for new or expanding businesses locating within
the city. The RLF will be administered by the EDA. The Finance Director of the City of St.
Cloud will provide general program oversight on behalf of the City.
III. PURPOSE AND GOALS
It is the purpose of the City of St. Cloud Economic Development Revolving Loan Fund
(RLF) to deploy and sustain a local pool of money to support private economic
development and redevelopment projects for the benefit of the City of St. Cloud.
These objectives may be accomplished through the following means:
A. Create/retain permanent private sector jobs to fuel above-average
economic growth;
B. Investment in technology and equipment that increase productivity and
provide higher wages;
C. Leverage of private investment to ensure economic renewal and
competitiveness;
Revolving Loan Fund Policy Page | 3
City of St. Cloud EDA
D. Increase the local tax base to guarantee a diversified industry mix;
E. Improve the quality of existing jobs, based on increases in wages or
improvements in the job duties, training, or education associated with
those jobs;
F. Improve employment and economic opportunities and create a
reasonable standard of living; and
G. Enhance productivity growth through improved manufacturing or new
technologies.
IV. GENERAL CRITERIA
Revolving Loan Funds may be used to provide assistance for loans, loan guarantees,
interest buy-downs, and other forms of participation with private sources of financing.
Assistance must be evaluated on the existence of the following conditions as noted in
Minn. Stat. 116J.8731:
A. Eligible Projects
Business must be a for-profit corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Eligible
projects must meet one or more of the following criteria:
1. Creation or retention of jobs, or the improvement of jobs as measured
by wages, skills or knowledge;
2. Increase in the tax base;
3. Attraction of private funds to the project;
4. Incapacity of local community and finance partners to finance
project;
5. Results in higher wage levels or workforce skills;
6. Supports development of microenterprises, as defined by federal
guidelines, through technical assistance or financial assistance;
7. Need for assistance to retain existing business; and
8. Importance of assistance to attract out-of-state business.
The assistance cannot meet solely 7. or 8.; other conditions must also be present.
Revolving Loan Fund Policy Page | 4
City of St. Cloud EDA
B. Eligible Activities
RLF may be used to fund a variety of business activities including:
1. Acquisition of land
2. Construction, demolition or rehabilitation of facilities
3. Site improvements
4. Utilities or infrastructure
5. Machinery and equipment
6. Working capital
C. Ineligible Activities
RLFs may not be used for the operation, construction or expansion of the following uses:
a casino, a sport facility that has a professional sports team as a principal tenant, or any
firm engaged in retailing merchandise, or sexually-oriented businesses.
D. Wage Goals
Businesses receiving RLF-State MIF assistance must pay each employee total
compensation, including benefits not mandated by law, that on an annualized basis is
equal to at least 110% of the federal poverty level for a family of four, which as of
February 1, 2017 is $13.53 per hour. This compensation level is adjusted annually.
V. FINANCING POLICIES
A. RLF assistance can be for no more than one-half of the cost of the project.
B. A minimum loan size of $25,000 and a maximum loan size of $100,000.
Exceptions must be approved by the EDA Board.
C. Loan terms for fixed assets are anticipated to range between 10 to 20
years for land and building, and 5 to 10 years for machinery and
equipment.
D. Interest rates are fixed and provided at 2 points below the U.S. prime rate
published in the Wall Street Journal the business day prior to the loan
closing date, or 3%, whichever is greater. Exceptions must be approved
by the EDA Board and based on significant economic benefits.
Revolving Loan Fund Policy Page | 5
City of St. Cloud EDA
E. Deferments on principal repayments and subordination of loans may be
provided to meet the credit needs of borrowers.
F. The minimum equity requirement for participation on an RLF loan is equal
to 10% of eligible project costs. It is the intention of the EDA to secure
each loan with a first or second mortgage on real estate or a UCC filing
on equipment, inventory and/or receivables, and may include personal
assets and guarantees.
G. No project shall commence until the EDA has provided loan approval.
Any costs incurred prior to the loan approval are not eligible for financing.
In addition, no building construction should commence until the required
City permits are secured.
H. RLF loans will only be restructured if the restructuring improves the
borrower repayment ability, and normally only where additional security is
obtained. Refinancing will not be allowed solely for the purpose of
reducing the interest rate due to lower market interest rates.
I. While the EDA is prepared to consider long-term loans, attempts will be
made to structure debt in such a manner as to encourage prepayment or
early recapture of the proceeds. One method that may accomplish this is
to provide a 5 year term with a 20 year amortization period and work with
the borrower to find private sources of capital to replace the RLF loan at
the end of the initial term. In the event that the borrower is unable to
obtain conventional financing to replace the RLF at the end of 5 years,
the loan may be extended up to 2 additional years at a market rate of
interest. Extension requests shall be accompanied by a copy of the
current financial statements, a letter of denial from a conventional lender,
and a $500 non-refundable processing fee.
J. Interest earnings or other profits earned from the sale of the loan will be
returned to the RLF fund for re-lending or for administrative costs.
K. The applicant will be responsible for all legal, recording and other fees
required for protection of a security interest in the loan. In addition to the
non-refundable fee in Section VI, all legal and filing fees shall be paid by
the borrower at loan closing.
L. The EDA shall require that proposed borrowers provide bank commitment
letters or other evidence of their ability to meet the equity requirements.
M. The EDA may deny any project which it deems inappropriate according
to the guidelines established in this document.
Revolving Loan Fund Policy Page | 6
City of St. Cloud EDA
VI. LOAN APPLICATION AND SERVICING
The application evaluation and servicing process will be as follows:
A. Pre-application
1. A brief pre-application in narrative form will be required of all potential
applicants in order to determine the proposed structure and eligibility
of the project.
2. Pre-applications will be screened for eligibility and written invitations for
full applications will be provided.
B. Full Application Package
1. A full application package will include the necessary documentation
to make a final loan decision.
2. When a full application is invited, a site visit and discussion about full
application details will take place.
3. A non-refundable processing fee of $1,000 will be required when a full
application is submitted.
4. When completed applications are received, the EDA Staff will
conduct a thorough review including:
a. Eligibility with RLF plan
b. Economic benefits of the proposed project
c. Balance sheet/ratio analysis (if necessary)
d. Repayment ability
e. Management skill
f. Collateral and lien position
g. Credit risk of applicant
h. Need for special requirements, i.e. insurance, personal
guarantee
i. Environmental review
5. Upon recommendation by the EDA Executive Director, the EDA Board
has the authority to approve the loan. Applicants will receive
notification of decision in writing.
6. Information contained in the application for assistance will become a
matter of public record, with the exception of those items protected
under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, particularly
Minn. Stat. 13.591, subd. 1 and 2.
Revolving Loan Fund Policy Page | 7
City of St. Cloud EDA
C. Loan Servicing
1. Loans may be closed by the EDA Executive Director.
2. Loan accounting will be a part of the City Finance Department.
Reports may be requested for individual loans including principal,
interest, fee payments, etc.
3. Delinquency will be handled in a firm, yet flexible way, with provision
for modifying or restructuring consistent with program objectives and
responsible money management. Any modifications of loan terms and
conditions must be requested in writing by the applicant and
approved by the EDA Executive Director and, if applicable, the EDA.
4. Defaults will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Specific action will
depend on the nature and circumstances, amount and availability of
collateral, and costs versus benefit of liquidating assets or other
collateral.
5. Any total or partial sale, assignment, conveyance, lease or transfer
with respect to the loan and security interest is not allowed without
prior review and written approval by the EDA Board, which approval
shall not be unreasonably withheld.
D. Compliance with MN Business Subsidy Law
Each company receiving assistance in the principal amount over $75,000 from
the RLF shall be subject to the provisions and requirements set forth by Minnesota
Business Subsidy Law Statute 116J.993 and the City of St. Cloud Business Subsidy
Policy. All RLFs will be required to submit annual progress reports to the EDA until
job creation requirements are met.
Tax Increment Financing
and Tax Abatement Policy
EDA Adopted: October 2013
City Council Adopted: November 2013
Each application submitted for assistance will be evaluated by the City on
a case-by-case basis to analyze the viability of a proposed project.
Depending on the exact nature and complexity of a project, the
estimated timeframe from application to designation of a TIF District or Tax
Abatement is at least three (3) months.
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 1
City of St. Cloud
CITY OF ST. CLOUD
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
TAX INCREMENT AND TAX ABATEMENT POLICY
A. PURPOSE
The term “City” as used in this policy shall include both the City of St. Cloud and the
Economic Development Authority for the City of St. Cloud (EDA), which administers
various economic development programs and activities within the City of St. Cloud.
The purpose of this policy is to establish the City’s position relating to the use of Tax
Increment Financing (TIF) or Tax Abatement (Abatement) for private development.
This policy shall be used as a guide in the processing and review of applications
requesting TIF or Abatement assistance. The City, in adopting this policy, retains the
sole and absolute discretion to grant or deny any request for any reason. The City
shall have the option of amending or waiving sections of this policy when determined
necessary or appropriate when the EDA has determined that the total economic
benefit exceeds this policy’s intent.
Administration of this policy shall be the responsibility of the EDA. In the case of Tax
Abatement the EDA serves as a recommending body for the City Council’s approval.
In the case of Tax Increment Financing the EDA must first obtain approval of its
proposed TIF Plans from the City Council, in addition to the sale of all bonds and
other obligations issued by the EDA.
B. STATUTORY LIMITATIONS
The City is granted the power to utilize TIF and Tax Abatement by Minnesota statutes.
Requests must comply with Minnesota Statutes 469.174-469.1791, the Minnesota Tax
Increment Financing Act. Tax Abatement requests must comply with Minnesota
Statutes 469.1812-469.1815. All requests shall comply with Minnesota Statutes 116J.993
and 116J.994, the Business Subsidies Act. The statutes authorizing TIF and Tax
Abatement are frequently amended. This policy is subject to change to conform to
amendments to such statutes.
C. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAX INCREMENT FINANCING AND TAX ABATEMENT
The primary difference between Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement is the
way in which the dollars are awarded to the project. When the City awards TIF to a
project, the other political subdivisions (the school district and the county) are
required to contribute their portion of the increased taxes to the project. Conversely,
when Tax Abatement is requested, each political subdivision has the option of
granting its portion of the increased taxes to the project. Subsequently, the dollars
generated for the project with Tax Abatement are generally less than the dollars
generated with TIF.
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 2
City of St. Cloud
D. TIF DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS
The following may be eligible for consideration for the use of TIF as authorized by statutes, as
amended:
Redevelopment District [Minn. State Statutes 469.174, Subd. 10; 469.176, Subd. 4j]
Buildings, streets, other improvements occupy 70% of the area, and, more than 50% of the main buildings
are substandard (substantial renovation or clearance justified; cost of attaining State building code
exceeds 15% of the cost of a new structure).
At least 90% of the tax increment revenues must be used to correct the conditions that allow
redevelopment district designation. Such costs include: land acquisition, demolition, land
clearance, utility installation, roads, sidewalks, and parking facilities.
Maximum term 25 years after receipt of the first increment.
Renewal & Renovation District [Minn. State Statutes 469.174, Subd. 10a; 469.176, Subd. 4j]
Buildings, street, other improvements occupy 70% of area; and at least 20% of the buildings are
substandard (as defined under Redevelopment District); and, 30% of the other buildings require
substantial renovation or clearance to remove conditions such as inadequate street layout,
incompatible uses, overcrowding, obsolete buildings, or other identified hazards to community
health, safety, and general welfare. These conditions must be reasonably distributed throughout
the geographic area of the district.
At least 90% of the tax increment revenues must be used to finance the cost of correcting the
conditions (i.e. land acquisition, demolition, land clearance, utility installation, roads, sidewalks, and
parking facilities).
Maximum term 15 years after receipt of the first increment.
Economic Development District [Minn. State Statutes 469.174, Subd. 12, 469.176, Subd. 4c]
A project found to be in the public interest because:
(1) It will discourage a business from moving operations to another state or municipality; or,
(2) It will result in increased local employment; or,
(3) It will preserve and enhance the tax base.
At least 85% of the facilities must be used for:
(1) Manufacturing or production operations; or,
(2) Warehousing, storage, and distribution, excluding retail sales; or,
(3) Research & development related to activities listed above in items (1) or (2); or,
(4) Telemarketing if it is the exclusive use of the property; or,
(5) Space necessary for and related to activities listed in items (1) through (4).
Maximum term 8 years after receipt of the first increment.
Housing District [Minn. State Statutes 469.174, Subd. 11, 469.176, Subd. 4d, 469.1761]
A project for low & moderate income housing occupancy. A project does not qualify if more than
20% of the square footage of improvements are for commercial, retail or other non-housing uses.
Tax increment revenue must solely finance housing project costs, which may include public
infrastructure.
For owner-occupied housing, 95% of the units must be initially purchased and occupied by
individuals qualifying as low and moderate income under current Federal schedules. For rental
housing, 50% of the units must be occupied by persons whose income is 80% or less of area median
gross income.
Maximum term 25 years after receipt of the first increment.
Soils Condition District [Minn. State Statutes 469.174, Subd. 19, 469.176, Subd. 4b]
A project where presence of hazardous substances, pollution, or contaminants requires removal or
remedial action for use; and, the estimated cost of remediation exceeds the land’s fair market
value, or, exceeds $2 per square foot.
Tax increment may be used only to:
(1) Acquire parcels on which the improvements will occur;
(2) Pay for the cost of removal or remedial action; and
(3) Pay for the administrative expenses of the TIF Authority allocable to the district.
Maximum term is 20 years after receipt of the first increment.
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 3
City of St. Cloud
E. TAX ABATEMENT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
Pursuant to MN Statutes 469.1812 to 469.1815 the City is authorized to grant
abatement of all or a portion of the City property tax amount on specified parcels.
The City may abate taxes only after holding a public hearing and adopting an
abatement resolution that stipulates the specific terms of the abatement agreement
and the nature and extent of the public benefit that the City expects to result from
the abatement.
The City must find that the expected benefits to the City of the proposed abatement
agreement at least equal the cost to the City of the proposed agreement. The City
Council must also find that the abatement is in the public interest because it will
facilitate one or more of the following objectives:
1. Increase or preserve tax base;
2. Provide employment opportunities in the City of St. Cloud;
3. Provide or help acquire or construct public facilities;
4. Help redevelop or renew blighted areas;
5. Help provide access to services for residents of the City of St. Cloud; or
6. Finance or improve public infrastructure.
The abatement of taxes shall typically be limited to the new taxes generated from
the project.
It is the intent of the City to provide the minimum amount of Tax Abatement, as well
as other incentives, at the shortest term required for the project to proceed. The
maximum duration of an abatement is 15 years (with a maximum of 20 years in
limited situations).
Preference is given to projects in which other local government jurisdictions support
the project, including but not limited to participation in the abatement agreement.
Each project shall be reviewed on an individual basis. Prior approval of a similar
project for Abatement shall not establish a precedent for future approval.
F. DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES
As a matter of adopted policy, the City of St. Cloud will consider using TIF or
Abatement to assist private developments only in those circumstances in which the
proposed private projects meet one or more of the following objectives:
1. To increase and diversify the long-term tax base of the City in order to ensure the
long-term ability of the City to provide adequate services for its residents while
lessening reliance on the residential property tax.
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 4
City of St. Cloud
2. To improve the City’s economic vitality through the creation and expansion of
quality employment opportunities.
3. To retain local jobs, increase the local job base, and provide economic diversity
in that job base.
4. To encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either
directly or through secondary “spin-off” development.
5. To remove blight and encourage redevelopment in the commercial and
industrial areas of the City, including high profile or high priority sites, in order to
encourage high levels of property maintenance and private reinvestment in
those areas.
6. To offset increased costs of redevelopment over and above those costs that a
developer would incur in normal urban and suburban development.
7. To finance or provide public infrastructure as part of a
development/redevelopment project including public parking facilities.
8. To accelerate the development process and achieve development on sites
which would not be developed without this assistance.
9. To assist in achieving other goals contained in adopted public policies as may be
adopted by the City from time to time, including without limitation, quality design
and construction, energy conservation, and reductions in capital and operating
costs of government.
G. PROJECT APPROVAL CRITERIA
In addition to complying with all statutory requirements, projects requesting TIF or
Abatement assistance should meet the following minimum approval criteria.
However, it should not be presumed that a project meeting these criteria will
automatically be approved.
1. TIF or Abatement assistance shall be provided within applicable state legislative
restrictions, debt limit guidelines, and other appropriate financial requirements
and policies.
2. The project shall meet one or more of the above Development Objectives.
3. The project must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning
Ordinances, or required changes to the Plan and Ordinances must be under
active consideration by the City at the time of approval.
4. TIF or Abatement assistance will not be provided to projects that have the
financial feasibility to proceed without the public financial assistance. In effect,
assistance will not be provided solely to broaden a developer’s profit margins on
a project. Prior to consideration of a TIF or Abatement assistance request, the
City may undertake an independent financial evaluation or feasibility study of the
project to help ensure that the request for assistance is valid.
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 5
City of St. Cloud
5. All TIF projects will need to meet the “but for” test. TIF will not be used unless the
need for the City’s economic participation is such that without that assistance the
project would not be financially feasible.
6. Prior to approval of a TIF or Abatement application, the developer may be asked
to provide market and financial feasibility studies, appraisals, soil boring,
information in the developer’s possession or provided to private lenders for the
project, and other information or data that the City or its financial consultants
may require in order to proceed with an independent evaluation.
7. The developer must provide a minimum of 10% equity in the project.
8. TIF and Abatement assistance shall typically be in the form of pay-as-you-go.
Requests for upfront financing will be considered for priority projects on a case-
by-case basis. The developer should provide adequate financial guarantees to
ensure the repayment of TIF or Abatement subsidy. These may include, but are
not limited to: assessment agreements, letters of credit, etc.
9. Any developer requesting TIF or Abatement assistance shall be able to
demonstrate past successful general development capability as well as specific
capability in the type and size of development proposal.
10. The developer shall retain ownership of the project at least long enough to
complete it, to stabilize its occupancy, to establish the project management, and
to initiate repayment of TIF or Abatement.
11. The level of TIF funding shall be reduced to the lowest possible level by maximizing
the use of private debt and equity financing first, and then using other funding
sources or income producing vehicles that can be structured into the project
financing, prior to using additional TIF or Abatement assistance funding.
12. The developer shall be responsible to pay any legal, consultant fees and related
costs incurred by the City in reviewing applications for TIF or Abatement and
preparation of plans and agreements.
13. Developers receiving TIF or Abatement assistance shall meet the requirements of
the City’s approved Business Subsidy Criteria.
13. Proposals shall optimize the private development potential of a site.
14. Proposals shall create the highest possible ratio of property taxes paid before and
after redevelopment. Given the different assessment circumstances in the City,
this ratio will vary widely. However, under normal circumstances the expectation
shall be at least 1:2 ratio of taxes paid before and after redevelopment.
15. TIF or Abatement assistance should normally not be used to support speculative
industrial, commercial, and office projects. In general, speculative projects are
defined as those projects which have letters of intent or pre-leasing for less than
50 percent of the space available for lease.
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 6
City of St. Cloud
16. Proposals will normally not be used in a project that involves an excessive land
and/or property price. This will normally be where the acquisition price is more
than 10 percent in excess of fair market value as demonstrated by the City
Assessor.
17. TIF or Abatement will not be used when the developer’s qualifications, in the
judgment of the City, are unacceptable due to past or present performance and
qualifications relating to: completion of projects, general financial responsibility
and experience and/or bankruptcy, or other problems or issues considered
relevant by the City.
18. To the extent the proposed project places extraordinary demands on City
services, an evaluation may be conducted to consider the extent of total public
costs required to support the project, including off-site facilities costs that may be
required.
19. TIF or Abatement will not normally be used for projects that would generate
significant environmental problems in the opinion of the local, state, or federal
governments.
20. TIF or Abatement funding should not be provided to projects that fail to meet
good public policy criteria as determined by the City, including: poor project
quality; projects that are not in accord with the Comprehensive Plan, zoning,
redevelopment plans, and City policies; projects that provide no significant
improvement to surrounding land uses, the neighborhood, and/or the City;
projects that do not provide a significant increase in tax base; projects that do
not have significant new, or retained, employment; projects that do not meet
financial feasibility criteria; and projects that do not provide the highest and best
desired use for the property.
21. TIF or Abatement will not be used in projects that would give a significant
competitive financial advantage over similar projects in the City due to the use of
assistance. Priority consideration will be given to projects that fill an unmet
market need.
H. EVALUATION CRITERA
The following items will be taken into consideration in the evaluation of any
development proposal requesting TIF or Tax Abatement assistance.
1. Need For Public Assistance – In all cases, it is required that the need for public
assistance be demonstrated and documented by the developer to the
satisfaction of the City. All such documentation, including development budgets,
cash flow projections, market studies and other financial and market information,
must be submitted by the developer along with an application for public
financial assistance. If the request is based on financial gap considerations, the
developer will demonstrate the profitability and feasibility of the project both with
and without public assistance.
2. Amount of Public Assistance versus Private Investment – All development
proposals should seek to maximize the amount of private investment per dollar of
public assistance. Public assistance as a percentage of total development costs
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 7
City of St. Cloud
will be determined for each project and compared to other development
projects of similar scope and magnitude whenever possible.
3. Term of Public Assistance – The term of the assistance shall be kept to a minimum.
The proposed term of any assistance shall be fully documented and explained.
4. Development Benefits and Costs – The direct and indirect benefits of the
development proposal shall be determined and quantified to the degree
possible. Benefits shall include, but are not limited to, employment benefits
(number of jobs retained or created, wage and salary information, etc.), tax base
benefits (estimated market value of new development, new property taxes
generated, etc.), housing benefits (number of new rental or ownership units, etc.),
and other benefits relating to transportation, parking, blight remediation,
environmental cleanup and historic preservation.
I. APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Meet with appropriate EDA and City Staff to discuss the scope of the project,
public participation being requested, and other information as may be
necessary.
2. Completion of Preliminary Application form and initial deposit of $5,000.00
submitted to the Economic Development Director. The initial deposit will be used
toward the cost of services provided in the evaluation of financial feasibility and
preparation of legal documents and agreements.
3. The request shall be reviewed by EDA staff on a preliminary basis as to the
feasibility of the project. The staff shall prepare a preliminary recommendation to
the EDA and City Council regarding 1) the completeness of the application, 2)
whether the application meets the goals of this policy, and 3) whether the
application complies with the criteria established in this policy.
4. The preliminary recommendation shall be placed on the EDA agenda for
concept review. The applicant may make a formal presentation of the project.
The staff will present its findings.
5. If the EDA’s Preliminary Concept Review is positive, the applicant may file a
formal application accompanied by a fee deposit of $15,000. The fee will be
used toward the cost of services provided in the preparation of legal documents
and agreements. Projects that demand services in excess of the fee shall be
required to reimburse the City for the additional expenses.
6. If Planning Commission action is required, it will be necessary for the applicant, at
this time, to make application to the Commission for Concept Review.
7. A public hearing may be set, if required by statutes, at which the EDA or City will
consider a final recommendation related to the formal application. Following the
necessary financial analysis and preparation of detailed plans, the EDA and/or
City Council shall take action on the project as required under Tax Abatement or
Tax Increment Financing statutes. If approved, EDA staff will be directed to
undertake the following steps:
Tax Increment Financing and Tax Abatement Policy Page | 8
City of St. Cloud
Prepare a development agreement based upon the terms approved.
Prepare an economic development plan or redevelopment plan and tax
increment financing plan if required.
8. If a redevelopment plan or zoning action is required, the Planning Commission
and City Council shall take the appropriate action at the same time the
redevelopment agreement is considered for approval.
The following information is needed to begin financial analysis and drafting of a Term Sheet
related to financial assistance from the City of St. Cloud in the form of Tax Increment Financing
or Tax Abatement.
1. A description of the project to be undertaken. This would include the size of the
buildings, estimated cost of the buildings, the estimated values for real estate tax
purposes (which must be a value agreeable to the City Assessor).
2. Description of the real estate to be included in the project:
a. Provide the name, address of the owners of each parcel.
b. Provide the name and address of each occupant of the property,
if different than the owner.
c. Provide copies of the real estate tax statements for each parcel.
3. List the streets and utility easements needing to be vacated/relocated, if any.
4. Does the project site need to be rezoned? If so, what is the schedule?
5. List sources and describe the proposed financing plan for construction of the project.
6. List estimated costs expected to be paid with tax increment or tax abatement.
Examples could be:
a. property acquisition $__________________________________
b. demolition $__________________________________
c. relocation $__________________________________
d. utility relocation $__________________________________
e. site improvements e.g. parking facility $__________________________________
f. other (describe) $__________________________________
7. Provide job creation information with the number of jobs to be retained and
created and wage scale for each class of jobs. The jobs should be created
within two (2) years of the benefit date, which is generally upon completion of
construction of the Project.
8. Provide the name and organizational documents for the organization to be the
developer and owner of the project. If the entity is newly created, who will
“guarantee” satisfactory completion of the work under the Contract for Private
Development?
9. Provide a schedule for commencement and completion of each phase of the
project.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION
FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
OR TAX ABATEMENT ASSISTANCE
10. Provide area map and detailed map of the project area.
11. Provide a statement or analysis as to why you believe this project would not proceed
without the benefit of tax increment.
12. Provide the following supporting information:
a. Detailed sources for the proposed project (i.e. bank debt, equity, other funds, TIF
request, etc.
b. Detailed uses of the funds for the construction and financing
c. NNN Lease rate to be charged (copy of lease if available)
d. Bank financing term and rate
e. 15-year Operating proforma
f. Expected return (cash-on-cost or cash-on-cash)
St. Louis Park Economic
Development Authority
Revolving Loan Fund
Guidelines
Adopted March 21, 2016
St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority
5005 Minnetonka Blvd
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
Table of Contents
Revolving Loan Fund
Guidelines
I Introduction Page 1
II Authorization and Funding Sources Page 1
III Purpose Page 1
IV Program Objective Page 2
V Eligible Activities Page 2
VI Ineligible Activities Page 3
VII Loan Terms and Conditions Page 4
VIII Guidelines for Application, Approval and Servicing Page 6
IX Delinquency Page 10
X Default Page 10
XI Recaptured Funds Page 10
XII Fund Acknowledgement Page 11
1
Revolving Loan Fund Guidelines
I. Introduction
The purpose of this document is to provide written guidelines for the award and processing
of loans by the St. Louis Park Economic Development Authority (EDA). These guidelines
are intended to be used as the procedure for the EDA to follow in the granting and
administration of revolving loan funds. Conformance with these Guidelines does not entitle
any applicant to financial assistance under this program. The Guidelines state the current
minimum and maximum loan amounts as well as desired qualifications necessary to approve
an application. The EDA retains the right to accept or deny applications on the basis of
evaluating additional criteria it deems prudent and necessary. All applications are subject
to approval by the EDA or its designee(s). The EDA encourages all eligible St. Louis Park
businesses, especially women, minority and veteran-owned businesses, to apply for
revolving loan funds. This program may be amended or discontinued at any time without
prior notice.
II. Authorization and Funding Sources
Minnesota Statutes, Sections 469.090 to 469.1082, as amended, authorizes the EDA to
provide loans to private businesses. The Revolving Loan Fund shall be capitalized through
the City’s Development Fund.
III. Purpose
The purpose of the Revolving Loan Fund is to make funds available to enable local and area
businesses to grow and expand their enterprises thereby creating employment opportunities
and increasing the city’s tax base resulting in enhanced economic vitality. Loans are to be
provided when the economics of a project cannot be overcome exclusively with
conventional financing and where there is public interest in seeing the business investment
occur at the proposed location. The Revolving Loan Fund is not to be utilized in lieu of
commercial lending but in participation with such lending sources.
The mission of the revolving loan fund is to promote local business development and
expansion and attract new business to the community so as to increase the city’s market
value, create and retain permanent private sector jobs thereby improving economic
opportunity and living standards for the citizens of St. Louis Park.
2
IV. Program Objective
The objective of the Revolving Loan Fund is to fill the financing gap between project costs,
private debt financing and private equity by making direct loans so as to facilitate the
growth and expansion of certain business enterprises within the St. Louis Park city limits.
The EDA will consider providing a revolving loan to facilitate private sector projects to
achieve one or more of the following purposes:
• Support development growth and expansion of St. Louis Park small businesses.
• Conform to the city's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinance. Any required
changes to the Plan and Ordinance must be under active consideration by the city at the
time a Development Contract providing the assistance is scheduled for approval.
• Revitalize identified key areas of the City of St. Louis Park through the replacement of
blight, nonconforming uses and replacement of other negative influences with high
quality, private development.
• Serve as a catalyst to encourage further private "spin-off” development within tired,
deteriorated, or functionally obsolete areas so as to lead to their economic stabilization
and revitalization.
• Increase the city’s market value.
• Retain local jobs and/or increase the number and quality of jobs (e.g. stable employment
with attractive wages and benefits).
• Encourage projects that exhibit efficient urban design; quality architecture and materials;
sustainable "green" design; energy efficiency; enhanced stormwater management;
improved public safety; and decrease the capital and operating costs of local
government.
• Promote principles related to Livable Communities and Transit Oriented Development
so as to create compact, efficient mixed-use developments that include: attractive design,
quality amenities (e.g. public art) as well as pedestrian and transit friendly environments.
• Fulfill the strategic directions outlined in Vision St. Louis Park.
V. Eligible Activities; Costs
The following activities and costs are eligible for financing under the Revolving Loan Fund.
A. Eligible costs: Eligible costs may include the following:
1. Site improvements. Improvements to the land which are a portion of the project
cost including but not limited to: building demolition, environmental cleanup, site
preparations, shoring, grading, new streets or street improvements, parking lots,
utilities, and landscaping.
3
2. Purchase and renovation of building. Purchase and renovation of an existing
commercial or industrial facility (including façade improvements) is permitted.
3. Purchase machinery and equipment. Purchase of major items of machinery and
equipment independent of land and buildings. These items must be defined to have
a useful life of at least 10 years.
4. Building construction. Construction of a new building and/or a major addition to
an existing building.
5. Leasehold improvements. Revolving loan funds may be used for certain leasehold
improvements provided the lease is equal to, or greater than, the term of the loan
and the city secures a lien on the land or building, and improvements or other
collateral deemed to be sufficient to support the loan.
VI. Ineligible Applicants, Activities and Costs
The following applicants, projects, activities, and costs are ineligible for financing through
the Revolving Loan Fund.
A. Ineligible applicants: Applications from the following entities will not be considered
for financing: sexually oriented businesses, pawn shops, tattoo parlors, off sale liquor
stores, tobacco shops, gun shops, check cashing businesses, non-profit institutions,
gambling organizations, warehouses, lending or investment organizations, or land
speculators.
B. Ineligible activities: Applications to finance the following activities will not be
considered for financing:
• Activities that place extraordinary demands on city services.
• Activities that are inconsistent with Vision St. Louis Park including those
considered to create environmental problems in the opinion of the local, state, or
federal governments due to the type of operation or processes involved in the
business operation.
• Activities that continue and/or expand nonconforming uses.
• Any activity deemed illegal by federal, state, or local law or ordinance.
C. Ineligible costs: Ineligible costs include but are not limited to: developer fees,
management fees, financing costs, franchise fees, debt repayment or consolidation,
moving costs, refinancing, operating costs, working capital or work completed prior
to loan approval.
4
VII. Loan Terms and Conditions
Loans provided under the Revolving Loan Fund shall be subject to the following terms and
conditions.
A. Maximum and minimum loan amounts for eligible projects:
1. Maximum loan amount. The maximum loan available from the revolving loan
fund for each eligible project is limited to $200,000 or 40% of total project cost,
whichever is less.
2. Minimum loan amount. The minimum loan amount available from the revolving
loan fund for each eligible project is $50,000.
B. Interest rate: The interest rate shall be fixed and will be determined at the time of loan
application and funding.
C. Term: The term of the loan will be tied to the useful life of the assets being financed.
The following general terms apply:
1. Machinery/equipment. The term of the loan for machinery/equipment shall not
exceed 10 years
2. Land/building acquisition. The term of the loan for land/building shall not exceed
20 years.
3. New construction/renovation. The term of the loan for new
construction/renovation shall not exceed 20 years.
4. Balance due upon Sale. All balances will be due and payable if and when the loan
recipient sells or otherwise transfers any or part or his/her interest in the property
or fails to meet any of the guidelines established within this document before the
maturity date of the loan or relocates any part or all of the business outside the
City of St. Louis Park.
D. Wage and job goals: Wage and Job goals shall be established for all loans in excess
of $75,000. The wage and job goals will be identified in the Loan Agreement between
the St. Louis Park EDA and the borrower. The loan agreement, must include: (1) the
number of jobs created, which may include separate goals for the number of part-time
or full-time jobs, or, in cases where job loss is specific and demonstrable, goals for
the number of jobs retained; (2) wage goals for any jobs created or retained; and (3)
wage goals for any jobs to be enhanced through increased wages.
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E. Green Building Policy: Building expansions 15,000 square feet or greater and
renovations 50,000 square feet or greater receiving $200,000 in financial assistance
are required to comply with the City of St. Louis Park’s Green Building Policy.
F. Equity participation: There shall be a minimum 10% owner equity investment of
total project costs required of all applicants.
G. Collateral requirements: All loan agreements will be secured by one or more of the
following;
1. a promissory note,
2. mortgage,
3. or security agreement as required by the EDA.
The revolving fund may take a subordinate position to the primary lender on the assets
financed; and surety deposits shall be required for certain construction contracts as set
forth in Minnesota Statutes 290.9705.
H. Letters of Commitment: Letters of commitment from all funding sources must be
submitted for the application to be deemed complete.
I. Personal guaranty: Personal guaranties of persons with an ownership interest of 20%
or greater are required. Personal guaranties of persons with ownership interest
between 5% to 19% may be required by the EDA but are discretionary.
J. Loan repayments: Loan payments must begin within one month of funding of the
Revolving Loan. The EDA may make exceptions to this rule on a case-by-case basis.
K. Loan prepayment: Prepayments are permitted where the borrower makes the EDA
whole for any losses or costs associated with the prepayment.
L. Notice of award or denial: Applicants will be notified by the EDA in writing not more
than fourteen (14) business days after final action has been taken on their revolving
loan fund application.
M. Loan closing documents: The EDA will close the loan within sixty (60) days of final
EDA approval of the loan application. At that time, the EDA will deliver to the
borrower all closing documents and a final debt service schedule. In exchange, the
borrower will deliver to the EDA its Promissory note to evidence the loan.
N. Post closing amendments and modifications: Requests for amendments and
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modifications following award, closing or disbursement of funds to the underwriting
of the original request require EDA approval and shall be presented at the next
scheduled meeting of the EDA.
O. Loan denial: The EDA will not make a loan if it determines the loan amount would
place an undue burden on the financial resources of the borrower or the borrower
cannot demonstrate adequate financial capacity to repay the loan or the EDA
determines that making the loan is not in the best interest of the City or EDA.
P. Appeal: There will be a complaint and appeal procedure for aggrieved applicants:
1. Written notice. Applicants will receive written notice of denial of the loan and the
reasons(s) for the determination within fourteen (14) days of the determination.
2. Petition. The aggrieved applicant may petition the EDA in writing for
reconsideration within fourteen (14) days from date of the written notice of denial.
Any request to appear before the EDA must be in writing and must be submitted
at least seven (7) days prior to the EDA’s scheduled meeting. Upon receipt of the
written petition for reconsideration, the EDA shall consider the petition at its next
scheduled meeting and advise the petitioner in writing of its decision within
fourteen (14) days of that meeting. The EDA’s decision will be final.
3. Re-application. Applicants aggrieved by the EDA’s final decision may re- apply
for revolving loan funds after ninety (90) days if the concerns in the preceding
application are adequately and appropriately addressed.
VIII. Guidelines for Application Approval and Servicing
A. All applicants shall first contact a primary lending institution to determine if
additional financing from the EDA is needed to accomplish the project, and if so,
how much.
B. The applicant and the primary lender shall then meet with EDA and Central
Minnesota Development Company (CMDC) staff to obtain information about the
RLF program, discuss the project, and obtain application forms.
C. The applicant shall complete and submit an application form to the EDA and CMDC
staff, along with a processing fee of 1.5 percent of the loan request or $1,500
whichever is greater. (The fee is used to cover processing expenses and will be
returned less expenses only if application is denied.) The applicant must provide
evidence of its ability to meet the equity requirements or provide a letter of
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commitment for conventional financing from the primary lending institution.
D. The EDA will assign application review to CMDC which will serve as underwriter
for the RLF. The application will be reviewed by the CMDC and EDA staff to
determine if it conforms to all City and EDA policies and ordinances and to consider
the following:
1. The availability and applicability of other governmental grants and/or loan
programs.
2. Whether the proposed project will result in conformance with building and
zoning codes.
3. Whether it is desirous and in the best interests of the public to provide funding
for the project.
E. With written permission granted by the applicant, the application will be submitted
by the EDA staff to the CMDC as the EDA’s advisor.
F. CMDC will review each application in terms of its consistency with the goals of the
RLF Program as enumerated above.
G. In the event there is ambiguity of an application’s conformance with the program’s
Guidelines, the proposed application could be brought to the EDA for further
discussion.
CMDC and EDA staff will evaluate the project application in terms of the following:
a. Project Design - Evaluation of project design will include review of proposed
activities, timelines and a capacity to implement.
b. Financial Feasibility - Availability of funds, private involvement, financial packaging
and cost effectiveness.
• Appropriate ratio of private funds to RLF funds.
• Sufficient cash flow to cover proposed debt service as demonstrated by
financial statements and projections.
• Ability to demonstrate a positive net worth.
• Letter of Commitment from applicant pledging to complete the project during
proposed project duration, if the loan application is approved.
• Letter of Commitment from other financing sources stating terms and
conditions of their participation in the project if applicable.
• Project compliance with all city codes and policies.
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• All other information as required in the application and/or additional information
as may be requested by the EDA and CMDC.
c. CMDC will recommend the approval, denial, or request a resubmission to EDA
staff. A recommendation from CMDC will be forwarded to the EDA for final action.
Right of Refusal
The EDA may deny any project which, in its opinion, conflicts with or does not conform to the
guidelines established in this document.
Approval. If approved, the applicant will be sent a written commitment letter that will outline
the terms and conditions of the loan approval. A copy of the commitment letter will be signed
by the borrowers and guarantors signifying acceptance of the terms and conditions of the loan
proposal and the conditions for funding. Upon the return of the executed commitment letter,
EDA staff will begin the loan closing process with the EDA’s attorney.
Closing. The EDA’s legal counsel and/or CMDC’s legal counsel will prepare documentation
and coordinate the closing with the borrower or the borrower’s counsel.
Loan Servicing: The EDA will contract with CMDC for all loan servicing. When servicing
EDA loans, CMDC will comply with Loan Program Requirements and in accordance with
prudent and commercially reasonable lending standards.
CMDC is responsible for routine servicing including receipt and review of the borrower's or
Operating Company's financial statements on an annual or more frequent basis and
monitoring the status of the borrower and RLF loan collateral.
CMDC will respond to borrower requests for loan modifications following approval of the
EDA.
For any RLF loan that is more than three months past due, CMDC will promptly notify the
EDA that the loan should be placed in liquidation unless the RLF loan has an EDA-
approved deferment or is in compliance with an EDA-approved plan to allow the borrower to
catch up on delinquent loan payments.
CMDC will work with the EDA and borrower to cure defaults and initiate workouts.
1. Monitoring. CMDC staff will monitor loans for compliance with the accepted terms and
conditions including job creation statistics and wage and benefit levels.
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CMDC is responsible for monitoring that the borrower makes all required insurance
premium payments and has paid all taxes when due.
CMDC is responsible for filing renewals and extensions of security interests on collateral
for the RLF loan, as required.
2. Reports. CMDC will provide quarterly portfolio reports to the EDA.
3. Records. Computer files and conventional paper files will be maintained for the purpose of
documenting, tracking, and monitoring program and loan activities and will be maintained
by the EDA and CMDC staff
a. Program records. The following program information will be maintained in the
project file, including but not limited to:
i. Environmental report;
ii. Eligibility determination records;
iii. Property inspection report;
iv. Progress reports;
v. Credit Memo;
vi. Correspondence;
vii. Loan documents; and
viii. Executed loan agreement.
b. Financial records. The following financial information will be maintained in each
Loan file, including but not limited to:
i. Copy of the executed loan agreement;
ii. Disbursement data;
iii. Progress reports;
iv. Repayment data; and
v. Amortization tables.
4. Record retention. All program and financial records, supporting documents, statistical
records, environmental review records and other records pertinent to the revolving loan
program shall be maintained for a period of at least three (3) years from the final project
report and project closeout date.
IX. Delinquency
The following is the notification procedure for delinquent loans:
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A. The City Finance Department is responsible for the timely posting of all loan repayments.
B. Thirty (30) day notice. Upon thirty (30) days delinquency, CMDC will notify the City
Controller of the delinquency and shall send the borrower a delinquency notice requesting
payment within fifteen (15) days. A copy of the letter shall be forwarded to the EDA
Executive Director.
C. Forty-five (45) day notice. If payment has not been received by the 45th day a second
delinquency notice will be sent to the borrower by CMDC requesting payment within
fifteen (15) days. A copy of the letter shall be forwarded to the City Controller and EDA
Executive Director.
D. Sixty (60) day notice. If payment has not been received by the 60th day, CMDC will
attempt to contact the borrower by telephone to address the delinquency. CMDC shall
also send a notice of default to borrower via certified mail requesting immediate payment
and advising the borrower the delinquency will be placed on the EDA agenda for
discussion at an upcoming meeting.
E. Ninety (90) day notice. If no repayment plan is submitted by the borrower, or if there is
no attempt by the borrower to negotiate the amount due, the CMDC will contact the EDA
Executive Director and the EDA attorney to sending a 90 day letter calling due the loan
in full.
F. Negotiation. Throughout this process, every attempt will be made to preserve the
company, the jobs, and the loan funds.
X. Default
If the EDA determines a loan to be in default it may adopt a resolution declaring the
borrower in default and convey the matter to the EDA legal counsel for disposition.
XI. Recaptured funds
Loan repayments shall be deposited into the ity’s Development Fund. These recaptured funds
are available to other applicants for utilization as gap financing for certain approved
economic development projects. The Revolving Loan Fund shall be administered by a
financial management system in compliance with all state and federal requirements.
XII. Funding acknowledgement
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For projects financially supported by revolving loan funds the Borrower shall:
A. Acknowledge revolving loan fund support in certain written materials including company
brochures, reports, newsletters, and press releases; and
B. On the building or expansion construction site post a sign acknowledging financial
support from the St. Louis Park EDA.
St. Louis Park Community Development Department • 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
www.stlouispark.org • Phone: 952.924.2575 • Fax: 952.928.2662 • TTY: 952.924.2518
Revolving loan fund application
Contact information
Legal name of business: _________________________________________________________________
Project site address: ____________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP code: _____________
Contact persons: _______________________________________________________________________
Business phone: ________________________________ Fax: ___________________________________
Home phone: __________________________________ Email: _________________________________
Check one: ☐ Proprietor ☐ Corporation ☐ Partnership
Social Security Number: _________________________________________________________________
Federal ID number: ____________________________ State ID number: __________________________
Type of business: ☐ Sole proprietor ☐ Partnership ☐ Corporation ☐ Other: _______________
Nature of business: ___________________________________ Date established: ___________________
Nature of loan request
☐ Land and building acquisition
☐ Building construction
☐ Machinery and/or equipment purchase
☐ Renovation and modernization of commercial buildings
☐ Site improvements
☐ Investment real estate with a minimum of 50 percent of the space pre-leased
Total project cost: __________________________ Amount requested: ___________________________
Notes:
Revolving loan fund application | Page 2
Give a brief summary of your business and its products or service:
General description of proposed project, building and site
(Attach site and building plans and project description, including size of property to be purchased,
proposed size of building renovation or expansion, and/or any machinery or equipment to be
purchased.)
Building size: _______________________________ Building materials: ___________________________
Address of the property to be acquired where the project will occur
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Estimated market value upon completion (land and building): $_________________________________
Appraised value of land and building before construction: $_____________________________________
Expected start date: _______________________ Expected completion date: ______________________
Other potential use(s) of proposed facility: __________________________________________________
Describe how this loan will benefit your business.
Revolving loan fund application | Page 3
Will additional jobs be created through this project?
If yes, explain current and projected employment:
Projected employment
Type of employment Existing jobs First year Second year
Professional/managerial
technical
Wage rate: ___________
______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT
Skilled
Wage rate: ___________ ______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT
Semi-skilled/unskilled
Wage rate: ___________ ______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT
Totals ______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT ______ FT ______ PT
Public benefit
Describe how the project will benefit the City of St. Louis Park. Attach additional sheet if needed.
Revolving loan fund application | Page 4
Financing
Project costs: $ ___________________________
Land: $ ___________________________
Site improvements: $ ___________________________
Buildings (attach plans and costs): $ ___________________________
Equipment/machinery/fixtures: $ ___________________________
(attach list of estimated costs)
Remodeling: $ ___________________________
Other (attach description): $ ___________________________
TOTAL COSTS: $ ___________________________
Source Name Terms Amount
Bank loan
Bank loan
Other private funds
Application
contributions
Federal grant/loan
State grant/loan
EDA (SLP) loan
Other public funds
Total financing
Revolving loan fund application | Page 5
Collateral assignments
Description of collateral Lien position
To bank 1
To bank 2
To private source
To other sources
To federal government
To state
Value of collateral Book value Cost Existing liens
Land
Buildings
Machinery and
equipment
Other
Declaration
A separate sheet may be attached and used for explanations.
A. Have there ever been judgments or injunctions against the business, principals, owners, officers,
applicants or shareholders? If yes, please explain. ☐ Yes ☐ No
B. Is there any pending, anticipated or final regulatory or legal (civil or criminal) litigation involving
the business, principals, owners, officers, applicants or shareholders? If yes, please explain.
☐ Yes ☐ No
C. Has the business, principals, owners, officers, applicants or shareholders ever filed bankruptcy? If
yes, please explain and state the date in which the bankruptcy occurred. ☐ Yes ☐ No
D. Has the business, principals, owners, officers, applicants or shareholders ever been or currently
are delinquent on state or federal taxes? If yes, please explain. ☐ Yes ☐ No
E. Has the business, principals, owners, officers, applicants or shareholders ever defaulted on any
loan commitment, development or redevelopment agreement, or other business subsidy? If yes,
please explain. ☐ Yes ☐ No
Revolving loan fund application | Page 6
F. The undersigned specifically acknowledge(s) and agree(s) that
1. All statements made in the application are made for the purpose of obtaining the loan
indicated herein.
2. Verification or re-verification of any information contained in the application may be
made at any time by the grantor/lender, its agents, successors and assigns, either
directly or through a credit reporting agency, from any source named in this application,
and the original copy of this application will be retained by the grantor/lender, even if
the loan is not approved;
3. The grantor/lender, its agents, successors and assigns will rely on the information
contained in the application and I/we have continuing obligation to amend and/or
supplement the information provided in this application if any of the material fact which
I/we have represented herein should change prior to closing;
4. In the event my/our payments or obligations for the loan indicated in this application
become delinquent or otherwise in default, the grantor/lender, its agents, successors
and assigns, may, in addition to all their other rights and remedies, report my/our
name(s) and account information to a credit reporting agency;
5. Ownership of the loan may be transferred to successors or assigns of the grantor/lender
without notice to me/us and/or the administration of the loan account may be
transferred to an agent, successor or assign of the lender without notice to me/us.
Certification
I/we certify that the information provided in this application is true and correct as of the date set forth
opposite my/our signature(s) on this application and acknowledge my/our understanding that any
intentional or negligent misrepresentation(s) of the information contained in this application may result
in civil liability and/or criminal penalties including, but not limited to, fine or imprisonment or both and
liability for monetary damages to the grantor/lender, its agents, successors and assigns, insurers and any
other person who may suffer any loss due to reliance upon any misrepresentation which I/we have
made on this application.
Name of business: _____________________________________________________________________
Loan recipient: _______________________________ Title:______________________ Date: _________
Print name: __________________________________ Title: _____________________ Date: _________
Co-recipient: _________________________________ Title:______________________ Date: _________
Print name: __________________________________ Title: _____________________ Date: _________
Co-recipient: _________________________________ Title:______________________ Date: _________
Print name: __________________________________ Title: _____________________ Date: _________
List other co-recipients on a separate sheet of paper.
Revolving loan fund application | Page 7
Attachments checklist
☐ Written business plan or description (see attached outline)
☐ Description of business
☐ Ownership
☐ Management
☐ Date established
☐ Products/services
☐ Future plans
☐ 2-year financial statements (for businesses less than two years old)
☐ Financial projections for 2 years
☐ Resumes of owner/management
☐ Personal financial statements of proprietor, partners and guarantors
☐ Letter of commitment from applicant pledging to complete the project during the proposed
project duration
☐ Letter of commitment from the other sources of financing, stating terms and conditions of their
participation in project
☐ Deposit of 1 percent of loan amount or $1,500, whichever is greater
Revolving loan fund application | Page 8
Debt schedule
Name of operating company: ______________________________________ Date: ______________
Please list existing debts
Creditor
name
Original
amount
Original
date
Present
balance
Interest
rate
Maturity
date
Monthly
payments
Security Current or
delinquent
Total present balance Total monthly payment
*Total must agree with balance shown on current financial statements.
Revolving loan fund application | Page 9
Project contacts
Attorney
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Street address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP code: _____________
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Accountant
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Street address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP code: _____________
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Financing sources (lenders, partners, etc.)
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Street address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP code: _____________
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Street address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP code: _____________
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Parent company
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Street address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP code: _____________
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Insurance
Name: _______________________________________________________________________________
Street address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________ State: _________________ ZIP code: _____________
Phone: ___________________________________ Email: ______________________________________
Revolving loan fund application | Page 10
Business plan outline
1. Executive summary
a. Name and location of business
b. Brief discussion of product, market and competition
c. Expertise of management team
d. Summary of financial projections
e. Amount of financial assistance requested and proposed purpose
f. Business goals and reasons for undertaking the project
2. Description of the company
a. Date and state of incorporation or formation
b. History of the company
c. Background of the principals and their roles
3. Market analysis
a. Description of current industry and industry trends
b. Description of the total market and its participants
c. Discussion of the target market and the competition
4. Description of the product or service
a. List of patents, copyrights, licenses or proprietary interests
b. Discussion of technical and legal considerations
c. Comparisons to competitors' products or services
d. Description of current and future research and development.
5. Marketing strategy
a. Overall strategy
b. Pricing policy and sale terms
c. Method of selling, distributing and servicing
d. Current and estimated sales and market share
e. Advertising, public relations and promotion
6. Management plan
a. Form of business organization
b. Composition of board of directors
c. Officers organization chart and responsibilities
d. Resumes of key personnel and listing of key advisors
7. Operating plan
a. Schedule of upcoming work and key completion dates for next 2 years
b. Planned facilities or capital improvements for next 3 years
c. Staffing plan
8. Financial data
a. Funding request indicating the desired financing, capitalization, use of funds and future
financing
b. Past 3 years, year-end financial statements (balance sheet, income and cash flow
statements)
c. Current interim financial statements
d. Pro forma cash flow projections, including the proposed financing, for 2 years
e. Projected balance sheets, income statement and statement of changes in financial
position, including the proposed financing, for 2 years
f. Description of all assumptions behind the financial projection
Tax Increment Financing
(TIF) Policy
Adopted August 18, 1997
1
CITY OF ST. LOUIS PARK
Tax Increment Financing Policy
For the purpose of this policy, the "City" shall also mean the St. Louis Park Economic
Development Authority (EDA), which serves in conducting various economic development,
housing and redevelopment programs and activities within the City of St. Louis Park
I. GENERAL POLICY
The purpose of this policy is to establish the City's position relating to the use of Tax Increment
Financing for private development. This policy shall be used as a guide in processing and
reviewing applications requesting Tax Increment assistance. The fundamental purpose of tax
increment financing in St. Louis Park is to encourage desirable development and/or
redevelopment that would not otherwise occur “but for” the assistance provided through TIF.
The City of St. Louis Park shall consider Tax Increment Financing for projects that serve to
accomplish the City’s goals for housing and economic development as they may change over
time. The goals include facilitating projects that would result in the creation of quality jobs (e.g.
stable employment and/or attractive wages and benefits) and the attraction, retention, and
expansion of business and housing options in the City.
II. CITY'S OBJECTIVE FOR THE USE OF TIF:
As a matter of adopted policy, the City of St. Louis Park will consider using Tax Increment
Financing (TIF) to assist private development projects to achieve one or more of the following
purposes:
• Remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment in the commercial and industrial areas of the
City in order to encourage high quality development or redevelopment and private
reinvestment in those areas.
• To achieve any of the following housing-related goals:
• to ensure all housing is safe and well maintained
• to provide a balanced and sustainable housing stock to meet diverse needs both today
and in the future
• to promote neighborhood stabilization and revitalization by the removal of blight and
the upgrading of existing housing stock.
• To retain local jobs and/or increase the number and diversity of quality jobs (e.g. stable
employment and/or living wages and benefits).
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• To encourage additional unsubsidized private development in the area, either directly, or
through secondary "spin-off" development.
• To offset increased costs of redevelopment (e.g. contaminated site clean-up), over and above
those costs that a developer would incur in normal urban and suburban development.
• To facilitate the development process and to achieve development on sites which would not
be developed without this assistance.
• To meet other uses of public policy, as adopted by the Council from time to time, including
promotion of quality urban design, quality architectural design, energy conservation,
decreasing the capital and operating costs of local government, etc.
• To encourage the application of Livable Communities principles to a development project so
as to create compact, efficient mixed-use development, quality amenities (e.g. public art), and
attractive, pedestrian and transit friendly development.
III. COSTS WHICH QUALIFY FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING ASSISTANCE:
• Project Design fees including: utilities, landscape, architectural and engineering design.
• Site related work, including: permits for site work, earthwork/excavation, soil correction,
landscaping, utilities, streets and roads, street/parking lot paving, street/parking lot
lighting, curb and gutter, sidewalks
• Land acquisition
• Special assessments
• Legal fees (acquisition, finance, closing)
• Soil tests
• Environmental studies
• Surveys
• Park and open space dedication fees
• Interest rate write downs
• Relocation assistance
• Replacement or clean-up of contaminated soils which would otherwise preclude
redevelopment
• Rehabilitation
• Any other costs allowable by Statute
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IV. PROJECTS WHICH MAY QUALIFY FOR TAX INCREMENT FINANCING
ASSISTANCE
All new TIF projects considered by the City of St. Louis Park must meet each of the following
minimum qualifications and will also be evaluated based on their ability to meet the desired
qualifications for assistance. However, it should not be presumed that a project meeting any of
the qualifications will automatically be approved. Meeting the qualifications creates no
contractual rights on the part of any potential developer to have its project approved.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A. The project should meet one or more of the Tax Increment Financing Objectives outlined in
Section 2. But at a minimum shall:
• Remove blight and/or encourage redevelopment in the commercial and industrial areas of
the City in order to encourage high quality development or redevelopment and private
reinvestment in those areas.
• To facilitate the development process and to achieve development on sites which would
not be developed without this assistance.
A. The developer must demonstrate that the project is not financially feasible "but-for" the use
of tax increment financing.
B. The project must be consistent with the City's Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Ordinances,
or required changes to the plan and ordinances must be under active consideration by the City
at the time of final TIF application submittal.
C. Prior to approval of a TIF financing plan, the developer shall provide any requested market
and financial feasibility studies, appraisals, soil boring, private lender commitment, and/or
other information the City or its financial consultants may require in order to proceed with an
independent underwriting of the proposal.
D. The developer must provide adequate financial guarantees to ensure the repayment of the TIF
loan and completion of the project. These may include, but are not limited to: assessment
agreements, letters of credit, personal deficiency guarantees, guaranteed maximum cost
contract, etc.
E. Any developer requesting TIF assistance should be able to demonstrate past successful
general development capability as well as specific capability in the type and size of
development proposed. TIF will not be used when the developer's credentials, in the sole
judgment of the City, are inadequate due to past track record relating to: completion of
projects, general reputation and/or bankruptcy, or other problems or issues considered
relevant by the City.
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F. The developer should retain ownership of the project at least long enough to complete it, to
stabilize its occupancy, to establish the project management, and to initiate repayment of the
TIF loan.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A. TIF proposals creating a higher ratio of property taxes paid before and after
redevelopment will receive priority consideration. Given the different assessment
circumstances in the City, this ratio will vary widely. A 1:2 ratio of taxes paid before and
after redevelopment is desired.
B. TIF proposals should normally not be used to support speculative industrial, commercial,
office or housing projects. In general the developer should be able to provide market
data, tenant letters of commitment or finance statements which support the market
potential/demand for the proposed project.
C. TIF will normally not be used in a project that involves an excessive land and/or property
price. This will normally be where the acquisition price is more than 20% in excess of
market value as determined by an independent appraisal of the property.
D. TIF will not be used in projects that would give a significant competitive financial
advantage over similar projects in the area due to the use of tax increment subsidies.
Developers should provide information to support that TIF assistance will not create such
a competitive advantage. Priority consideration will be given to projects that fill an
unmet market need.
E. TIF will be provided on a pay-as-you -go-basis. Any request for upfront assistance will be
evaluated on its own merit in accordance with the City's general financing policies.
Projects requesting pay-as-you-go financing will receive priority consideration.
F. TIF will not be used to support projects that place extraordinary demands on City
services. Preference will be given to projects that do not place extraordinary demands on
City services.
G. TIF will not normally be used for projects that would generate significant environmental
problems in the opinion of the local, state, or federal governments. Priority will be given
to projects that aim to clean-up existing contaminated sites and would facilitate the
location of an industry or business, that has an environmentally sound track record, or
meet a housing need in the City.
H. Preference will be given to projects that meet good public policy criteria as determined by
the City Council, including:
5
• High project quality (e.g. sound architectural design, quality construction and
materials)
• Projects that are in accord with the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, Strategic
Plan, and other redevelopment plans of the City
• Projects that provide significant improvement to surrounding land uses, the
neighborhood, and/or the City
• Projects that provide a significant increase in tax base
• Projects that provide significant new, or retained, employment
• Projects that meet financial feasibility criteria established by the City; and
• Projects that provide the highest and best desired use for the property
• Project is consistent with Livable Communities principles
V. TAX INCREMENT PROJECT EVALUATION PROCESS
The following five methods of analysis for all TIF proposals will be used:
1. Consideration of project meeting minimum qualifications.
2. Consideration of project meeting desired qualifications.
3. Project meets "but-for" analysis and statutory qualifications (Exhibit A).
4. Project Report Card (Exhibit B)
5. Project is deemed consistent with Vision St. Louis Park and City Strategic Plan
Please note that the evaluation methodology is intended to provide a balanced review. Each
area will be evaluated individually and collectively and in no case shall one area outweigh
another in terms of importance to determining the level of TIF assistance.
VI. APPLICATION FOR TIF ASSISTANCE FOR ALL TIF DISTRICTS AND
PROJECT AREAS
The City's tax increment financing program will be administered by the St. Louis Park EDA.
The St. Louis Park EDA will require a non-refundable application fee in the amount of $3,000
for its processing of the application. The application fee shall be paid to the EDA at the time a
final TIF application is submitted.
At the time a final TIF application is submitted, the applicant shall also deposit $20,000 with the
EDA to cover its attorney’s and consultants costs incurred as part of amending or establishing a
TIF district, drafting and negotiating a development agreement, and conducting any fiscal
analysis that may be required to meet the requirements of utilizing TIF. If additional expenses
are incurred beyond the $20,000, prior to the execution of a development agreement, the EDA
shall notify the applicant in writing and the applicant will be required to deposit additional funds
upon notice.
6
If the project is approved and the applicant proceeds with the project, the EDA shall reimburse
the applicant any unused portion of the deposit as of the date of execution of the development
agreement. If the applicant does not proceed with the project, the EDA shall reimburse the
applicant for the unused portion of the deposit as of the date that the EDA is notified in writing
that the applicant desires to withdraw its application.
VII. APPLICATION PROCESS:
The application process is a two-step process and must be completed in accordance with the TIF
application procedures (Exhibit C). The purpose of this approach is to give an applicant the
opportunity to present a development proposal without expending a great deal of money and time
in pursuing a development that may conflict with the City's goals and objectives.
VIII. OTHER POLICY ISSUES
Fiscal Disparities
It is the City’s general policy to have tax increment financing districts contribute to fiscal
disparities in accordance with applicable State law. In the event a project cannot be completed as
a result of this election, the City may re-evaluate the impact of this policy on the project within
the framework of State statute.
Loss of Government Aid
At any time, if the formation of a new TIF district or the use of an existing district to finance a
project will subject the City to an LGA/HACA penalty or local contribution to a project, the
transaction shall be structured so as to have the ultimate cost to the City minimized to the
greatest extent permitted by law, so as to have the project bear the cost of the penalty or
contribution.
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Public Use of Tax Increment
The City shall follow applicable state laws in terms of potential public improvement financing
with TIF. It shall be the general policy of the City to identify public improvements at the time of
adoption or amendment of the TIF Plan.
PASSED AND DULY ADOPTED this 18th day of August, 1997 by the
City of St. Louis Park/St. Louis Park EDA
_____________________________
Mayor
_____________________________
EDA President
ATTEST:
_________________________________
City Manager/EDA Executive Director
ADDENDUM
The above Policy has been modified to include the following:
Green Building Policy adopted 2-16-10
Inclusionary Housing Policy adopted 6-1-15 and amended May 15, 2017
St. Louis Park Community Development Department • 5005 Minnetonka Blvd., St. Louis Park, MN 55416
www.stlouispark.org • Phone: 952.924.2575 • Fax: 952.928.2662 • TTY: 952.924.2518
Tax increment financing (TIF) assistance application
Applicant information
Applicant (developer/business) name: _____________________________________________________
Street address: ________________________________________________________________________
City: __________________________________ State: __________________ ZIP code: ______________
Contact person: _________________________________ Title: _________________________________
Phone number: ____________________________ Email: _______________________________
Brief description of applicant’s business:
Contact information for person directly involved in preparing public finance application
Contact name: _________________________________________________________________
Business name: _________________________________________________________________
Phone number: ____________________________ Email: _______________________________
Proposed project
1. Proposed project description
Business type(s) and/or use(s); building(s) square footage; number of stories; number of housing units, if
applicable, including number and percentage of market rate and affordable units; building height and
materials; and prospective commercial tenants, if applicable. Provide a map showing the exact location
and boundaries of the proposed development, proposed project site plan, preliminary building
elevations and floor plans showing arrangement and floor areas of proposed uses.
TIF assistance application | Page 2
2. Location of project
Please attach a map depicting where project will be located within the city.
3. Size of project area
Acres/square feet: __________________________
4. Describe anticipated sustainable elements as related to the city’s Green Building Policy.
5. Is any of the proposed project area blighted, contaminated or environmentally challenged?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please describe the challenges and their estimated extent.
6. Current ownership of the site
Does applicant have a fully executed option or purchase agreement with property owner(s)?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Please explain.
7. Does developer control all the parcels required for the proposed development?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Please explain.
TIF assistance application | Page 3
8. Submit proposed project’s financial statements, including:
1. Sources and uses statement (delineating hard and soft costs) indicating total estimated project
costs (such as those listed below).
Sources of financing Estimated amount Percentage
Developer equity $ %
Developer financing A $ %
Developer financing B $ %
Grants $ %
Other sources (explain) $ %
TIF assistance $ %
Total sources $ 100%
Uses of funds Estimated amount Percentage
Hard costs
Acquisition costs
Land acquisition $ %
Closing costs – broker commission $ %
Demolition $ %
Construction costs
Soil correction/remediation $ %
Site grading and excavation $ %
Building construction $ %
Tenant improvements (TI) $ %
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) $ %
Structured parking (if applicable) $ %
Utilities $ %
Road improvements $ %
Curb, gutter, parking lot, sidewalk $ %
Landscaping $ %
Contractor fees $ %
Contingencies $ %
Permits $ %
SAC/WAC $ %
Park dedication and art fees $ %
Contingency $ %
Soft costs
Professional services
Architectural and engineering fees $ %
Environmental consulting fees $ %
Legal fees $ %
Financing costs $ %
Developer fee $ %
Other (please specify) $ %
Total uses $ 100 %
TIF assistance application | Page 4
2.Monthly/annual income and expense budget.
3.15-year operating Proforma along with assumptions and estimated return on investment with
and without TIF assistance.
9.For what specific reasons is TIF assistance needed for this project?
10.What extraordinary costs prohibit this project from achieving financial viability?
Submit an itemized list of project costs for which TIF assistance is being requested. See attached list of
TIF eligible costs.
Description of expense Estimated amount TIF request
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
$ $
Total $ $
11.Total estimated amount of TIF assistance required to make proposed project financially
feasible.
Specific dollar amount: $_______________
TIF assistance application | Page 5
12. Specific reasons why, “but for” the provision of the requested TIF assistance, this project
would not proceed.
13. What other alternative financing sources have been sought and why are they not
adequate or feasible?
14. Summarize the anticipated change in the property tax base after completion of the
proposed project.
Current assessed value: $__________________
Current annual property taxes paid: $__________________
Anticipated assessed value after completion: $__________________
Anticipated annual property taxes paid after completion: $__________________
Estimated growth in assessed value after completion (c minus a): $__________________
Estimated annual incremental taxes paid after completion (d minus b): $__________________
15. Estimated project construction schedule:
Estimated construction start date: ______________
Estimated construction completion date: ______________
If phased project: ______________ year ______________ % completed
______________ year ______________ % completed
Will all development costs to be reimbursed with TIF assistance be expended within five years of the
project’s commencement?
☐ Yes ☐ No
16. Architect, engineer, and general contractor company names, contact persons and
addresses.
TIF assistance application | Page 6
17. What is the existing comprehensive guide plan land use designation and zoning of the
property?
Include a statement as to how the proposed development will conform to the current land use
designation and how the property will be zoned or rationale as to why changes may be necessary.
18. Is the proposed project part of a mixed use development?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please describe various components.
19. Does the proposed project incorporate principals of livable communities and/or transit-
oriented development?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If yes, please describe.
20. Will the project incorporate LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or
other sustainable building design principals?
☐ Yes ☐ No
Will certification likely be pursued? ☐ Yes ☐ No
21. If applicable, how many FTE (full-time equivalent) jobs are expected to be retained in the
city as a direct result of this project?
TIF assistance application | Page 7
22. What is the expected pay range of these retained positions (without benefits)?
Pay range Number of FTE employees Total wages
$0 — $14,999 $
$15,000 — $24,999 $
$25,000 — $29,999 $
$30,000 — $44,999 $
$45,000 — $59,999 $
$60,000 and above $
Total $
23. How many FTE (full-time equivalent) jobs are expected to be created in the city as a direct
result of this project?
24. What is the expected pay range of these new positions (without benefits)?
Pay range Number of FTE employees Total wages
$0 — $14,999 $
$15,000 — $24,999 $
$25,000 — $29,999 $
$30,000 — $44,999 $
$45,000 — $59,999 $
$60,000 and above $
Total $
25. Please describe any other economic/social impacts this project is likely to have on the
community.
TIF assistance application | Page 8
Applicant (developer) background
26. Provide a brief description of the project developer (or client business)
Include a summary of development experience, financial capacity, construction, operational and
management experience and proposed project staff. Attach additional pages if necessary.
27. Describe at least two recent projects similar in scope that the applicant has successfully
completed, as well as experience of this particular development team working together.
28. Has the applicant or any project-related entity filed for bankruptcy or defaulted on a
development or construction related agreement in the last seven years?
☐ Yes ☐ No
If so, please describe the situation and how it was resolved.
29. Municipal reference.
Provide the names of municipalities where the applicant has completed similar developments with local
public funding assistance in the past five years.
TIF assistance application | Page 9
Development costs eligible for TIF assistance
The EDA will consider the following development costs eligible for reimbursement through tax
increment financing:
• Phase II environmental site assessments
• Additional necessary soil testing
• Environmental consulting, studies and permits
• Remediation action plans
• Asbestos abatement
• Building demolition and removal
• Soil correction
• Earthwork/excavation/shoring
• Additional necessary structural support such as pilings
• Architectural and engineering fees (directly attributable to site work)
• Utilities design and construction – sanitary sewer, storm sewer and water
• New or expanded streets
• Parking structures