05-29-84 Human Resources & Economic Development

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Page 2. Councilman Puzzello thought the Council should look at the number of new jobs which would be created and that incentives for hiring South Bend. employees be considered. . Councilman Crone thought the Council should go back to the beginning. She felt that tax abatement should be used as an incentive to develop blighted areas. Tax abatement must be weighed in light of its ' affect on the tax base. Jon Hunt thought that information from Joe Nagy's office would be needed to review the trends in assessed valuations over the past five years . Kevin Butler expressed the viewpoint that very few businesses are induced to come to South Bend just because of tax abatement It becomes an incentive when developers are comparing South Bend to other locations. Councilman Voorde thought that Michigan City was "reckless" by labeling their entire City as a tax abatement impact area. Councilman Beck requested that each Councilmember look at their entire district to determine geographic areas which may qualify for tax abatement. Councilman Taylor emphasized that the Council has the final authority and that positive incentives should be used. The Council Attorney requested that a current map of the tax impact areas would be helpful to the Council as well as the annual report. The Committee was advised that this information would be ready within the next 2-3 weeks. Ann Kolata noted that 26 letters have been sent to owners of real or personal tax abatement properties requesting them to file their annual report. Jon Hunt emphasized that the council must carefully review changing from blighted to a general program of assistance for businesses, and changing from manufacturing to servicing. He would prefer not to be involved in the review process if such changes take place. Eugenia Schwartz noted that the Council did not participate in determining redevelopment areas, however it did play an instrumental role in making the preliminary determination of blight in economic revitalization areas. Councilman Crone questioned how business and financial records could be kept confidential throughout the review. Both she and Councilman Voorde saw no need for such a requirement. Councilman Braboy stated that she felt South Bend needs more retail shops especially in the downtown., She felt that more information was needed regarding programs assisting small businesses. Councilman Puzzello suggested that each of the Councilmen reduce their suggestions to writing. Councilman Beck expressed concern about the job criteria.