Meridian seeks state law allowing financial incentives

By By Terry R. Cassreino / assistant managing editor
April 22, 2004
Meridian city councilmen voted today to formally ask state legislators to enact a new law that would let the city offer builders financial incentives to help boost residential development.
Councilmen want authority to reimburse developers for part of the cost of water and sewer infrastructure.
The city council originally approved similar incentives in September 2001. But an official opinion issued by the state attorney general's office said the city could not legally provide those incentives.
Ken Storms, Meridian's chief administrative officer, was expected to deliver the resolution today to legislators at the state Capitol.
State lawmakers are in the final weeks of the four-month 2004 legislative session. Any proposal on residential development incentives must be approved before lawmakers adjourn for the year on May 9.