02-04-08 Personnel and Finance Standing Committee

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Personnel and Finance Committee February 4, 2008 Page 2 • Noted that HB 1001 does not cut fat, that it cuts deep into bone and muscle • Reviewed the five (5) IACT suggested amendments to HB 1001 addressing levy and spending limits, circuit breaker, control boards, public safety local option tax (LOIT), and state intercept In response to questions raised by Dr. Varner, Mayor Luecke stated that HB 1001 would the "death to TI F". In response to questions caised by Council Member Oliver Davis, Mayor Luecke stated that there was not a fiscal analysis on costs savings if HB 1001 would be implemented as proposed, noting that a few years ago the state Chamber of Commerce noted that potential savings at that time were approximately 2°to. He noted that he did not see the proposed 1-person county executive as weakening county operations. Council President Rouse stated that some of the Kernan/Shepard proposals would require constitutional amendments, and that others need ballot approval. Some have voiced concern about the public input involved. Mayor Luecke noted that Umbaugh of Indianapolis has provided some additional background information and provided a copy (copy attached) The Mayor noted that Jim Wensits did an article last year comparing Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties. Dr. Varner stated that the state does an assessment each year, and that he would like to see a comparison which they have done. Mayor Luecke stated that he would get a copy of the state's assessment and share it with the Council. In response to a question from Dr. Varner he did not believe that the Umbaugh review looked at the number of not-for-profits in each county and what impact that created. The Mayor stated that in the short legislative session, phased in caps are being discussed. He noted that basically the bill is a tax shift. The Mayor stated that he has an excel template and would have it mailed to the Council. Dr. Varner noted that the City must look at tax abatement going forward, noting that Lake County was growing when the mills were operating, but without true growth it would be difficult to maintain. Tourism also needs to be carefully reviewed. Council Member Kirsits stated that hotel/motel needs to be reviewed.