TOPSHAM — In search of a way to fund municipal projects amid a difficult economic climate, the Board of Selectmen tonight will be asked to consider moving forward with the possible creation of a municipal downtown tax increment financing district along Main Street.

The potential TIF district will be presented to selectmen at their 7 p.m. meeting tonight at the municipal building, 100 Main St.

John Shattuck, the town’s economic and community development director, said there are potential opportunities to capture new income for community development projects using a downtown TIF district. Projects that could be funded include sewer, water and road infrastructure at Topsham Commerce Park (formerly the Navy annex), a Lower Village waterfront park, sidewalks and street lighting, and Lower Village parking.

Shattuck said the TIF district envisioned would run along Main Street from the Frank J. Wood Bridge to the Interstate 295 overpass. A map has been provided for selectmen’s review containing areas town staff feel definitely should be included in the TIF district, such as the “Annex Triangle” on the former Navy annex property and other areas. This map is preliminary and conceptual, Shattuck said.

He is seeking approval from selectmen for staff to initiate a hiring process to select a TIF consultant, and writes in a memo to selectmen that this would cost the town an estimated $20,000. The town anticipates having the funds to cover the cost of the consultant in the current fiscal year Economic and Community Development Department budget.

A TIF consultant is immersed in the nuances of TIF law, should have experience with multiple projects in multiple communities and have a good sense of what the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development will support as an appropriate TIF, Shattuck said. The town would also require legal support in the drafting of the TIF district agreement.

Shattuck stressed a TIF district must pass muster and be approved at town meeting, and both the town and state must agree that “this is a project that would not be able to go forward without this support.”

The next step anticipated is a six-month process that will include at least two large-scale public meetings and some small neighborhood meetings to ensure public participation.

The timeline should allow residents to vote on any resulting TIF district proposal either at a special town meeting in October or by secret ballot in November at the town’s annual town meeting.

Selectmen are also to consider a request by the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority to establish a new Community Advisory Working Group, consisting of two MRRA board members, two Brunswick councilors, two Topsham selectmen and staff members. Creation of the group seeks to enhance communication between MRRA and the towns of Brunswick and Topsham.

Selectmen will consider approving the Tax-Exempt Post Issuance Compliance Policy, relating to regulations the town must meet when issuing tax-exempt bonds until they mature. The policy should help lesson the likelihood of an audit by the IRS.

Selectmen are also scheduled to hear updates from the Topsham 250 Celebration committee and the Conservation Commission. Before the meeting ends the board will enter an executive session to deliberate over an abatement.