Economic Development Alliance renewal tabled after commissioners seek more detail

Tracy Lutton, representing the Economic Development Alliance of Muncie, Delaware County, asked the Redevelopment Commission to renew the Alliance's agreement to serve as the commission's service provider and employer of record for the coordinator position for a 19‑month term through 2027. She said the proposed total budget for that period is $115,473 and that the Alliance applied an approximately $16,000 surplus from the current contract year to bring the immediate request to $99,473.

Gina Caravalia, the Alliance‑hired coordinator, outlined her work over the past year, saying she led and managed 10 commission meetings, helped administer roughly $6,000,000 in TIF claims in the last 10 months, maintained compliance with DLGF deadlines and bond payments, and engaged in stakeholder outreach. Caravalia also described professional development completed and proposed further training through the Oklahoma University Economic Development Institute (OUEDI); staff estimated OUEDI tuition at $2,000 plus travel and lodging costs.

Commissioners raised procedural and substantive questions. Several members said they received the proposal only that morning and requested more detail about accomplishments and the budget breakdown; one commissioner suggested convening in executive session to review specifics. Concerns included whether the commission should commit to 19 months or instead extend only through year‑end so a future board could reassess. The Alliance said it could continue providing services in the interim but would request compensation for any gap month if the contract lapsed prior to final approval.

A motion to table the renewal was moved and seconded. On roll call the motion carried with Mister Kiesling, Commissioner Henry and Miss Green voting yes and Commissioner Brand and Mister Wigley voting no. The commission directed staff to work with Alliance staff and legal counsel as needed and to return with additional information at a future meeting.

The item was tabled pending the requested additional documentation and a staff review with counsel.