Contribution reduced

Portland Redevelopment Commission is saving some money.

The redevelopment commission during a special meeting Friday adjusted its latest financial commitment to the ongoing Meridian Street storm sewer project because of an error by city officials.

Portland Mayor John Boggs had requested an additional $259,598.81 from the redevelopment commission during its July 18 meeting, saying there was a $519,197.64 shortfall on the project because of various project delays and changes from Indiana Department of Transportation. At that time, the redevelopment commission approved a $100,000 contribution, pushing for Portland City Council to step up and cover the remainder of the funding. (It had already previously approved $350,000 for the project, with an additional $1.355 million coming from the city’s federal coronavirus relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act and $780,450 State Transportation and Stormwater Grant from the State Water Infrastructure Fund.)

However, at the Aug. 7 Portland City Council meeting, Boggs explained that the shortfall on the project amounted to just under $52,000. (He explained that city officials had been looking at the project with all of its alternates, some of which are not being done, which led to the incorrect amount being presented to the redevelopment commission.)

Portland City Council at that meeting approved $26,832.64 for the storm sewer project, with Boggs saying redevelopment commission president Rusty Inman had been informed the organization’s contribution could be reduced.

That was made official during Friday’s special meeting, with redevelopment commission members Reda Theurer-Miller, Dave Teeter, Mike Simons, Joe Johnston and Inman voting to rescind the previously approved $100,000 contribution and instead approve $25,000.

Also Friday, Inman informed his fellow commission members that the wind storm that caused damage through a corridor of Portland in July hit the building LeeAnn Miller is renovating as the new home for her business, Reclaiming Design. He noted that she may return to ask the commission for additional help with the project. (The redevelopment commission in June approved a $30,000 grant to help cover the cost of the renovations.)