Sec. 2.5. (a) If a designating body finds that an area in its jurisdiction is an economic revitalization area, it shall either:

(1) prepare maps and plats that identify the area; or

(2) prepare a simplified description of the boundaries of the area by describing its location in relation to public ways, streams, or otherwise.

(b) After the compilation of the materials described in subsection (a), the designating body shall pass a resolution declaring the area an economic revitalization area. The resolution must contain a description of the affected area and be filed with the county assessor. A resolution may include a determination of the number of years a deduction under section 3, 4.5, or 4.8 of this chapter is allowed.

(c) After approval of a resolution under subsection (b), the designating body shall do the following:

(1) Publish notice of the adoption and substance of the resolution in accordance with IC 5-3-1.

(2) File the following information with each taxing unit that has authority to levy property taxes in the geographic area where the economic revitalization area is located:

(A) A copy of the notice required by subdivision (1).

(B) A statement containing substantially the same information as a statement of benefits filed with the designating body before the hearing required by this section under section 3, 4.5, or 4.8 of this chapter.

The notice must state that a description of the affected area is available and can be inspected in the county assessor's office. The notice must also name a date when the designating body will receive and hear all remonstrances and objections from interested persons. The designating body shall file the information required by subdivision (2) with the officers of the taxing unit who are authorized to fix budgets, tax rates, and tax levies under IC 6-1.1-17-5 at least ten (10) days before the date of the public hearing. After considering the evidence, the designating body shall take final action determining whether the qualifications for an economic revitalization area have been met and confirming, modifying and confirming, or rescinding the resolution. This determination is final except that an appeal may be taken and heard as provided under subsections (d) and (e).

(d) A person who filed a written remonstrance with the designating body under this section and who is aggrieved by the final action taken may, within ten (10) days after that final action, initiate an appeal of that action by filing in the office of the clerk of the circuit or superior court a copy of the order of the designating body and the person's remonstrance against that order, together with the person's bond conditioned to pay the costs of the person's appeal if the appeal is determined against the person. The only ground of appeal that the court may hear is whether the proposed project will meet the qualifications of the economic revitalization area law. The burden of proof is on the appellant.

(e) An appeal under this section shall be promptly heard by the court without a jury. All remonstrances upon which an appeal has been taken shall be consolidated and heard and determined within thirty (30) days after the time of the filing of the appeal. The court shall hear evidence on the appeal, and may confirm the final action of the designating body or sustain the appeal. The judgment of the court is final and conclusive, unless an appeal is taken as in other civil actions.

As added by P.L.71-1983, SEC.3. Amended by P.L.62-1986, SEC.1; P.L.56-1988, SEC.3; P.L.3-1989, SEC.34; P.L.56-1991, SEC.1; P.L.25-1995, SEC.18; P.L.4-2000, SEC.3; P.L.154-2006, SEC.26; P.L.288-2013, SEC.6.