From the Indianapolis Star:
Carmel city officials have begun the process of digging into the proposed 2013 city budget -- a budget Mayor Jim Brainard believes can be funded without any new property taxes.
The proposed general fund budget is just shy of $75 million and Brainard said in a prepared statement that he predicts the city will end 2012 with a $6.5 million balance.
Earlier this week, the Carmel City Council held the first of three city budget hearings, designed to have department heads appear before the fiscal body and explain their needs.
“Fortunately, Carmel has weathered the revenue drops many cities experienced during the recent recession very well and has millions of dollars in savings," said Brainard in a press release issued this afternoon.
Brainard also plans to ask for a property tax rate cap resolution to ensure residential property taxes will stay at the same.
City taxpayers will have a chance to weigh in on the budget on Oct. 1 during the official public hearing, to be held at 6 p.m. at the City Council chambers. The Council is expected to vote on the budget on Oct. 15.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012120817043
