Lake County Council members are leaning on town and city officials to help with a looming $20 million deficit.
The council voted during its first budget workshop Tuesday to have its staff send letters this week to the county's 19 municipalities to keep their 2013 spending within the state-mandated tax caps.
Dante Rondelli, financial director for the Lake County Council, said Tuesday the county is being forced to raise at least $4 million in additional property taxes next year to cover overspending, primarily by big city governments with high property tax rates.
"We have never recommended they live within their tax levies," said Councilman Mike Repay, D-Hammond.
However, the council only can recommend municipal belt-tightening. It is unclear whether the cities or the state, which has final budget authority, would follow the council's suggestions.
...
Councilman Ted Bilski, D-Hobart, said the cities and towns either must voluntarily cut spending or support the passage of a permanent new county income tax. "Our back is against the wall," Bilski said.
Council workshops will continue until a final vote early next month.
