From the Northwest Indiana Times:
A consulting firm finished a recent financial evaluation of Porter County by suggesting officials consider eliminating the property tax break approved when the local income was doubled eight years ago.
The need for the local homestead credit is diminished as a result of the state tax caps and additional deductions in place, according to the study prepared by H. J. Umbaugh & Associates Certified Public Accountants.
The firm also recommends implementing a new vehicle tax and maxing out the property tax rate for capital projects.
Porter County Council President Robert Poparad, D-at large, said he does not believe the answer to the county's financial challenges is to look for more revenue sources.
"We're not at a crisis stage," he said. "We're paying our bills."
The Umbaugh report said while the county has many favorable financial attributes, including the $170 million in proceeds from the sale of the hospital, it does face challenges. These challenges include up to $13.6 million in building needs, $30 million in drainage improvement work and overcrowding at the jail.
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See the full article here:
http://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/porter/duneland/porter-county-council-mixed-on-proposed-tax-increases/article_4b601c68-5007-5c76-9b4c-05c4394eb261.html
