JA Hit with Million-Dollar Clawback Tied to FedEx Deal

Officials have questions about the tax increment financing (TIF) agreement that led to the costly clawback.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:00pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a stack of official-looking financial documents and a calculator on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract corporate strategy and financial implications of the school district's TIF agreement clawback.A stack of financial documents and a calculator symbolize the complex fiscal challenges facing the school district due to the unexpected TIF agreement clawback.Marysville Today

The Jonathan Alder school district is facing a clawback that will cost them over $1 million over the next three years due to issues with a tax increment financing (TIF) agreement related to a FedEx facility in Jerome Township. District officials are seeking clarity on how this clawback process works and what led to the significant financial impact.

Why it matters

TIF agreements are commonly used to spur economic development, but they can also create unexpected financial burdens for local school districts if not properly structured. This case highlights the need for districts to closely monitor TIF deals and understand the potential risks and obligations involved.

The details

The clawback is tied to the TIF agreement for the FedEx facility in Jerome Township. TIF agreements allow increases in property tax revenue from a development to be used for infrastructure improvements rather than going to the school district. However, in this case, the TIF agreement has resulted in the school district having to pay back over $1 million to the county over a three-year period, creating a significant financial strain.

  • The TIF agreement for the FedEx facility in Jerome Township was established several years ago.
  • The clawback payments will be made over a three-year period starting in 2026.

The players

Jonathan Alder

The local school district facing the million-dollar clawback due to issues with a TIF agreement.

Jerome Township

The township where the FedEx facility that is the subject of the TIF agreement is located.

FedEx

The logistics company that operates a facility in Jerome Township, which is the subject of the TIF agreement.

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What they’re saying

“We have a lot of questions about how this clawback process works and what led to such a significant financial impact on the district.”

— Jonathan Alder Official

What’s next

District officials plan to meet with county representatives to better understand the details of the TIF agreement and the clawback process in order to mitigate the financial impact on the school district.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complexities and potential risks involved with TIF agreements, which can create unexpected financial burdens for local school districts if not properly structured and monitored. It underscores the need for districts to closely examine the terms of any TIF deals and understand the full implications before entering into such agreements.