From the Northwest Indiana Times:
The effects of tax caps on municipal government are spreading, as low collection rates and reductions in assessed value make it more than just Gary's problem.
"As the policy of tax caps matures, its impact is becoming more and more apparent," said Michael Griffin, Town of Highland clerk/treasurer.
Communities like Merrillville and Lake Station have now felt the pinch, and local governments across the region are looking for ways to cut costs further, Griffin said.
The city of Whiting decided to forgo building a new wastewater treatment plant in favor of using Hammond's system, Griffin said. Highland and other communities are participating in the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns health insurance medical trust, an insurance pool giving communities more buying power and limiting premium increases.
Lake County communities are actually subject to a "double" tax cap, Griffin said. Localities in the county operate under both the Constitutional amendment limiting homeowners' property taxes to 1 percent of assessed value and a legislative mandate for Lake County only that caps local property tax levies at 2007 levels.
http://www.nwitimes.com/business/local/government-tax-cap-effect-is-spreading/article_9a6f0637-745f-5455-8ec2-1f22a4209105.html
