The Allen County Board of Commissioners has issued the following statement pertaining to the Fort Wayne City Council’s discussions on options for meeting the city's fiscal challenges.
“Last month, the Board of Commissioners sent a letter to the Fort Wayne City Council asking for a thorough examination of all methods for reducing expenditures and controlling costs before the implementation of any local income tax increases which would impact all citizens of Allen County.
Last Tuesday’s presentation on ways to deal with the city's financial problems by Councilmen Russ Jehl and Mitch Harper represents an important step in this process and the Commissioners wish to commend them for their efforts. While this does not represent an endorsement of all of the ideas presented, we would encourage the City Council to give these suggestions full study and consideration along with any other alternatives to raising taxes which may be presented in the coming weeks.
Since any decisions made by the City Council will likely have an impact on all county residents, the Board of Commissioners would also ask the council to consider conducting one of its future public hearings on the subject outside Fort Wayne city limits to give those citizens the opportunity to speak or submit comments.”
