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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- The Tax Increment Financing Commission met Thursday for their annual open meeting.

The committee members addressed many ways to fund the implementation of the Kirksville Downtown Improvement Plan, and discussed how current projects are moving forward.

Kirksville City Manager Mari Macomber tell us a majority for phase one of the Franklin Street Project is completed.

"Much of the work has been done," Macomber said. "We've done sidewalk replacements, and we have put in new curbing and there will be some lighting improvements that go along with that. So Ameren and an electrical contractor have been working to basically do all the work underground. So they can remove the overhead wires."

Macomber tells us phase two of the Franklin Street Project was originally set to begin in 2014. However, after applying and being awarded for the grant from MoDOT, they're able to start the second phase this year.

The second phase will run south of Normal Street to Patterson Street, through Truman's campus.

The commission expects the project to be completed this year, and working on other projects and advancements in Kirksville's downtown.