FARMINGTON — The Davis School Board of Education tabled a request from the Legacy Crossings theater developers in Centerville to give up 30 percent of new tax increments that would be created by the project in order to cover infrastructure development.

The deal, which would be for 15 years, would only cover new money created by increased value to the property and wouldn’t affect any money the district is receiving now. The Davis School District is the last taxing entity to be approached by Legacy Crossings. The district, however, has the greatest percentage of dollars coming from property tax of anyone in Davis County.

A presentation was given by Jason Burningham and Dan Bridenstine explaining that the 30 percent will go toward developing an infrastructure that would support a developed west Centerville.

“You’re asking us to give up our tax dollars and asking us to support a project that’s iffy,” said Davis School Board member Walt Bain.

He and other members of the board expressed concern at Tuesday’s board workshop over the numbers the Legacy Crossings group presented. According to Bridenstine, the Davis School District would bring in close to $800,000 once the entire CDA in west Centerville is complete. Legacy Crossings is planning to begin development in August, but needs the school board’s OK on taking 30 percent of the property tax for the first 15 years.

“In order to make this project work, we need 30 percent participation from you,” said Bridenstine.

Bain also asked if Legacy Crossings believes Davis County could support two major theater groups. Farmington’s Station Park has already begun construction on a physical building, while Legacy Crossings only has drawings and numbers. According to Burningham and Bridenstine, the Davis County Commission has voted in support of the project, even after CenterCal began working in Farmington City. That area will hold a 16-screen theater with at least one 3D screen.

Bain asked what would happen if the Centerville theater went under. Davis School Board President Marian Storey also expressed some concern over the project.

“The public perception is that we’re spending money we don’t have,” she said. “Which is not true.”

All the money saved from the tax increments would go toward developing a stable infrastructure that would support a fully developed west Centerville.

“Because of this cacophony we’re facing, and going to our tax-payers with an increase, you’re not going to get this boy to vote for it,” said Davis School Board member Burke Larsen. The district’s share in the project’s $5.4 million would add up to about $3.3 million in new money. However, if the project doesn’t come to fruition, the property taxes which would have created that money will never be generated.

“We have a lot of questions, we need more time to study this,” said Storey during the workshop.

sroberts@davisclipper.com