03-24-97 Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 24, 1997 For Real Property Taxes payable in 2000 and thereafter the percentage credit allowed for homesteads in St. Joseph County is increased eight (8) percentage points over that percentage allowed under IC 6 -1.1- 20.9 -2. This shall take effect January 1, 1998. SECTION II. If any part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason declared unconstitutional or otherwise invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. SECTION III. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after January 1, 1998 upon its passage by the St. Joseph County Income Tax Council. SECTION II. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. /s/ Roland Kelly Member, Common Council A public hearing was held on the resolution at this time. Mayor Luecke made the presentation for the resolutions. He indicated he has supported the option tax since he has been in public office, since this tax shifts part of the tax burden from the home owner to the income earner. He reported there was a need for the additional revenue in the City of South Bend; our infrastructure and neighborhood projects needs improvement, public safety and youth activities are other areas that are under funded; as well as other needs for additional dollars in this community. He reported that CEDIT can be used to support organizations and staff that encourage economic development, and COIT can be used to bring sewer and water to new areas at the fringe of the City, as well as other public works programs. He reported that if this tax is passed the administration will report how the money will be spent on an annual basis. He indicated he felt the option tax was a fair tax. Tom Brademas, 425 N. Michigan, spoke in favor of the tax. He indicated he was on the County Fiscal Study Committee, and in their many meetings he learned of the need for the tax. Marcie Sears, a community development specialist from the Chamber of Commerce, indicated the Chamber has been in support of this tax since 1992. Jamie O'Brien, spoke in favor or the increase in homestead credit. Steve Quieor, president of the Chamber of Commerce, indicated that most of County and City's infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful life. He indicated that the area is growing and the Federal government is placing more mandates on the local governments. He reported that eighty out of ninety -two counties in the State have adopted this type of tax, and it is difficult to ask for more State support until we pass an option tax in this county. Ann Bokenkamp, 1041 Riverside indicated she wants the infrastructure upgraded, since we cannot live off the improvements made in the past. Thomas Hall, 1323 Fairfax, indicated he had spent eighteen months on a committee studying the needs of the City, and they found the City needed the additional revenue. Duke Jones, 1608 Devon, president of the South Bend Entertainment Board, indicated they supported the County Option Tax. Tom Thomas, Gumwood road, spoke in favor of these bills indicating the things we do now will reflect five to ten years from now. John Roos, 1730 Oak Park, reported he also served on the County Fiscal Study Committee. He indicated the county faces a 2.5 million dollar operating deficit this year and the 1998 budget will have the full expense for the juvenile center. He indicated there is not enough revenue to meet the Counties' needs. Ron Radecki, 1233 S. St. Peter, indicated he supported these resolutions because he lives in the inner -city and knows the need for city services. Todd Garner, 1625 Crestwood, spoke during time allotted for those in favor of the