11-05-04 Informal Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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Commissioner Dobson stated that every neighborhood is "getting in over their heads" since many purchased more expensive homes in light of low mortgage rates. Commissioner Bodle noted that many mortgage companies encouraged maximum amounts of loans and then the property owners got hit with high taxes. Council Member Puzzello noted that there is a perceived unfairness with the current system. She suggested that the state legislature look at a system similar to that used for motor vehicles--newer the car more taxes you pay. She noted that there is a terrible burden on inner cities which may result in less maintenance being done. Mayor Luecke congratulated State Representative-Elect Warlorski on her election win and state that he looks forward to working with her. He noted that he works closely with Indiana Cities and Towns (IACT). He noted that flexibility allows fairness in a system, and that currently taxes are a burden and not spread fairly. There has been a shift from businesses agriculture to residential real estate. He noted that the former system was unfair to businesses and that was the reason for the court order. He stated that as we look to the future we need to look at the big picture. Tax abatement and tax incremental financing have been tools for municipalities which have been used to create jobs. Perhaps tax abatement should be changed to be called a tax phase-in system. He stated that both of these tools should remain and that the cities need to be aggressive in light of the sunset provisions currently in place in the state law. State Representative Dvorak stated that he is at the "gathering ideas stage". Ideas of consolidating functions and the inconsistency of the process have been raised to date. He noted that different counties have different needs. Commissioner Bodle noted that the new system was to fix the subjectivity. Commissioner Dobson noted that productivity and efficiency are issues, and that Mayor Luecke sits on the study commission. The Connect Report should be reviewed. He suggested that more flexibility is needed. State Representative Warlorski noted that the smaller counties may have more consolidation options in light of the efficiency model.SHe thought it would take 12-18 months to work through the issues addressing efficiency. Council Member Kelly suggested that large counties also need to look at consolidation of operations. If things can be done more efficiently and less expensively, then they should be considered. He gave the example of metro communication which was very frustrating. Council Member Pfeifer inquired whether any progress has been made in interfacing crime data between Mishawaka, South Bend, and the county; noting that when she worked in probation that it was a real problem. Chief Fautz noted that some progress has been made, but not enough. Commissioner Bodle added that computerization has helped in this area. Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council November 5,2004---Page 3