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Councilmember Dr. David Varner asked why we are fighting this locally and not just issuing our <br />ruling and then they would have to appeal it at a State Court. <br />Rosemary Mandrici, St. Joseph County Assessor, responded that most of the cases are already at <br />the state court already. The petitioner can bypass the local board and go directly to the state. It is <br />in the best interests of the County and the two Cities to have our own appraisers to come up with <br />an opinion of value and that will cost money. <br />Councilmember John Murphy stated the cost will not be too high, certainly not in the hundreds <br />of thousands and we have not incurred any costs so far. <br />Councilmember Jo M. Broden asked if this is unique to the state of Indiana. <br />Mr. Murphy stated it kind of is because the law was written as such even though the law was <br />recently changed by the legislature. These cases are appeals that occurred before the effective <br />date of the new law which was January 1St <br />Council Attorney Cekanski- Farrand asked if the Administration is anticipating this bill will act <br />retroactively. <br />Council Attorney Aladean DeRose stated these cases for South Bend go all the way back to 2010 <br />and they are still ongoing. <br />Councilmember Oliver Davis asked what happens if everything stays at status quo. <br />County Assessor Mandrici stated if we don't present new evidence it will probably be difficult to <br />win in the state courts. <br />City Attorney Aladean DeRose stated this is an efficient way for the three (3) governmental <br />entities to efficiently use our resources in the most reasonable manner. This is our best chance to <br />win these cases. <br />No one from the public spoke in favor of or opposition to the bill. <br />Councilmember Gavin Ferlic made a motion to send Bill 16 -35 to the full Council with a <br />favorable recommendation. Councilmember John Voorde seconded the motion which carried by <br />a voice vote of three (3) ayes. <br />Chairperson Karen White announced to the Committee that she will be sending an email very <br />shortly to councilmembers asking for their funding priorities for the budget as that process <br />begins to start. <br />With no further business before the Committee, Chairperson Karen White adjourned the meeting <br />at 4:55 p.m. <br />Respectfully Submitted, <br />Karen White, Chairperso <br />