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March 15
Unfortunately, by gross generalization, Matthew Greller of the Indiana Association for Cities and Towns, in his report covering State of Municipalities, has misinformed members of the Indiana General Assembly insofar as Delaware County is concerned. He stated that without property taxes, "In the end, our cities and towns will suffer, residents will be dissatisfied and our state will not be the same strong economic engine that it is today." In my opinion, total repeal of property tax is necessary to encourage economic growth in the state of Indiana. However, of the plans that are now under consideration, I most favor that of Governor Daniels.
I am uncertain from where Mr. Greller hails, but it surely is not Delaware County. Muncie/Delaware County is certainly NOT adding to the state's "strong economic engine." This area is bleeding red, and unless the property tax situation, effective governance, and spending are addressed, we will soon suffer a massive hemorrhage.
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Property owners are currently being taxed at greater than the proposed 1, 2, and 3 percent levels for residences, farms, and businesses. This has led to a migration of citizens out of the county, even out of the state, resulting in an increased tax burden for those property owners who remain.
- Spending must be controlled and sound governmental practices followed. For example, unethical and perhaps illegal appointments to Common Construction Wage panels have allowed the fleecing of millions of dollars from local taxpayers. And in spite of throwing millions of dollars at local school building projects, ISTEP scores have suffered, and dropout rates have increased. In addition, medical coverage premiums for employees of the city/county are contracted far below those in the private sector, effectively providing almost free insurance coverage to employees. These contracts need to be re-negotiated to allow for greater employee participation, as far as premiums are concerned.
- Threats regarding reduction of public safety services are commonly used to persuade citizens to continue "business as usual." Are you aware that 90% of the fireman from the Muncie Fire Department live outside the city of Muncie where they are covered by volunteer fire departments? Yet, we are expected to NOT diminish the number of FD employees (even though our population has shrunk) or utilize the services of volunteers, nor are we expected to negotiate union contracts to effectively lower costs for such coverage. The same applies to the police/sheriff departments.
- The argument that the Governor's proposed property tax bill (which combines limits with an increase in sales tax of 1%) will negatively impact lower income/fixed income citizens is simply an untruth. For example, using the Governor's numbers, my property tax bill would be reduced by $350 per year. For the increase in sales tax to impact me, I would have to buy $35,000 worth of goods per year. As a senior citizen whose Social Security AND pension total $1100 per month, I hardly think that possible. PLEASE--do the math and cease the perpetuation of this lie.
- Special interest funding attached to ANY property tax bill should be removed.
Now, as for that "strong economic engine", just imagine the impact on the state of Indiana were property tax repealed altogether. Imagine the draw that would have for businesses.
I ask that you not buy into Mr. Greller's 'Chicken Little' plea. Attention to property tax (total repeal being the desired end result) is needed, and I ask again that you vote for the Governor's plan.
Carol A. Bouslog
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