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SPECIAL MEETING
<br />MARCH 28, 1995
<br />Income Tax and allows, in connection therewith, for an increase in the percentage
<br />credit allowed for homesteads in counties in which the County Option Income Tax is in
<br />effect; and
<br />WHEREAS, the St. Joseph County Income Tax Council has approved the imposition of
<br />the County Option Income Tax in St. Joseph County and has determined that the
<br />imposition of this tax should be accompanied by property tax relief in the form of an
<br />increase in the percentage credit allowed for homesteads in St. Joseph County.
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,
<br />INDIANA AS FOLLOWS:
<br />SECTION I. The Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana proposes and
<br />casts its 42.71 votes for the proposed ordinance of St. Joseph County Income Tax
<br />Council which reads as follows:
<br />AN ORDINANCE INCREASING
<br />THE PERCENTAGE CREDIT ALLOWED FOR HOMESTEADS
<br />IN ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA
<br />STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND INTENT
<br />The St. Joseph County Income Tax Council, pursuant to IC 6- 3.5 -6, has
<br />determined that it will be in the public interest in increase the percentage
<br />allowed for homesteads in St. Joseph County to provide property tax relief to
<br />the homeowners of St. Joseph County Indiana.
<br />The members of the St. Joseph County Income Tax Council are the South Bend
<br />Common Council, Mishawaka Common Council, the St. Joseph County Council, and
<br />other local units.
<br />NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE ST. JOSEPH COUNTY INCOME TAX COUNCIL
<br />OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, INDIANA, AS FOLLOWS:
<br />SECTION I. The St. Joseph County Income Tax Council hereby increases the
<br />percentage credit allowed for homesteads in St. Joseph County under IC 6 -1.1-
<br />20.9-2 as follows:
<br />For real property taxes payable in 1996 and thereafter the percentage credit
<br />allowed for homesteads in St. Joseph County is increased eight (8) percentage
<br />points over that percentage allowed under IC 6 -1.1- 20.9 -2.
<br />This shall take effect January 1, 1996.
<br />SECTION II. If any part, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase
<br />of this Ordinance is for any reason declared unconstitutional or otherwise
<br />invalid such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of
<br />this Ordinance.
<br />SECTION III. This Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and
<br />after January 1, 1996 upon its passage by the St. Joseph County Income Tax
<br />Council.
<br />SECTION II. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after
<br />its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor.
<br />/s/ Eugene Ladewski
<br />Member, South Bend Common Council
<br />A public hearing was held on the resolutions at this time. Mayor Kernan made the
<br />presentation for the resolutions. He indicated that the home owners carry the tax
<br />burden, and the option tax and homestead credits would provide relief to the home
<br />owner. He indicated the City of South Bend has been able to maintain services over
<br />the past year, but it is important to put into place an on -going improvement plan
<br />that will allow us to plow resources back into our community. He indicated it was
<br />also important for us to realize there are also needs in the County government. He
<br />indicated it was important that separate funds be maintained for the option tax
<br />moneys, so there is no question about the revenue. He indicate that no revenue from
<br />EDIT or COIT will be used for the Hall of Fame. William Hojnacki, Assistant Dean at
<br />IUSB, indicated he chaired the Fiscal Study Committee, and after review of the County
<br />budget the committee was in support of the option tax. Terry Crone, Circuit Court
<br />Judge, spoke on behalf of all the judges. He asked that the letter be made a part of
<br />the proceeds. He indicated the county was building a new juvenile facility and a new
<br />jail that will require money to operate. He indicated there is only one court
<br />system, for the County and the City, so this is not just a County problem. He
<br />indicated there was the cost of the facility, as well as staffing expense. He
<br />indicated that the Courts can no longer hold the system together without additional
<br />revenue. Mike .Barnes, Prosecuting Attorney, indicated that the criminal justice
<br />system is in immediate need of revenue, and St. Joseph County employees deserve an
<br />increase. Tom Brademas, 425 N. Michigan, indicated he was a member of the Fiscal
<br />Study Committee, there is a need for the new juvenile center and the jail. He
<br />indicated we are all citizens of St. Joseph County, and urged the passage of the
<br />resolutions. Stephen Queior, president of the Chamber of Commerce, indicated that a
<br />viable community must have employment, a solid infrastructure and government
<br />services. He indicated if we do not move forward it will cost more in the long run.
<br />He indicated that 81 of 92 counties who have an option tax, will continue to move
<br />ahead of us if these resolutions are not passed. John McNamara, 10679 Jefferson Rd.,
<br />Osceola, urged the Council to support these resolutions. John Roos, 1107 N. Notre
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