Friday, July 27, 2012

Clark County Commissioners Increase Tax Rates on Two Funds but Claim No Property Tax Increase

From the Jeffersonville News and Tribune:

The Clark County Board of Commissioners unanimously increased the rates on the county’s cumulative bridge and cumulative capital funds at a Thursday meeting, citing deteriorating infrastructure and disaster relief as the reasons for the increases.

The cumulative bridge rate was increased from $0.008 to $0.05, which will increase the amount in the fund from about $300,000 to about $1.9 million annually.
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The cumulative capital fund went up from $0.018 to $0.0333, the maximum allowed by state law. Board President Les Young said the funds were needed to help pay for recovery efforts in Henryville and Marysville.

Perkins and Young both initially denied the rate increases to the two funds would affect taxpayers.

“What we did tonight is inside the levy,” Perkins said.

He went on to say the rate changes would come out of the county’s general fund.

County Councilman Brian Lenfert disputed Perkins’ claim after the meeting.

“That would only be the case if all homeowners were at the 1-percent cap,” Lenfert said. “If a parcel — a taxpayer — is not at the 1-percent cap, then this will be a tax increase.”

County Councilman Chuck Moore added that other government entities within the county would be adversely affected.
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The county council is holding its budget meetings Aug. 14 and 16 for county departments. Moore said the council could use its authority to approve the budget to oppose the commissioners’ efforts. 
http://newsandtribune.com/business/x1841413349/Clark-County-Commissioners-boost-rates-on-two-funds