01-24-11 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 24, 2011 RESOLUTION NO. 4074-11 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, EXPRESSING ITS WILLINGNESS TO DISCUSS AND EXPLORE FINANCING OF GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS OF ST. JOSEPH COUNTY AND THE CITY OF MISHAWAKA, INDIANA TO A 2011 FINANCIAL SUMMIT Whereas, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, notes that the Legislative Services Agency issued in July 2010, a 2010 Property Tax Report for St. Joseph County with Comparisons Between 2007 and 2010; and Whereas, the Council recognizes that that Report also shows the overall changes to property tax levies and property assessments, and also highlights changes which are unique to St. Joseph County and provides detailed information on tax rates, credit rates and net tax rates for homesteads by taxing district; Whereas, in light of the detailed information contained in that report which noted among other things that property tax levies increased 4.9% in St. Joseph County in 2010 which was more than the state average of 2.4%; while net tax bills for all taxpayers decreased 7.4% in St. Joseph County from 2009 and 2010 which was greater than the statewide reduction of 1.4%; and Whereas, the South Bend Common Council has repeatedly voiced concern over the effects of the recession on our local economy resulting in job losses; reduced construction opportunities; and how these have affected our residents and business owners; and Whereas, the Common Council believes that a 2011 Financial Summit would be in the best interests of the City of South Bend, Indiana. Now, Therefore, be it resolved, by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. On behalf of all of the citizens of the City of South Bend, Indiana, the Common Council believes that improved dialogue among the elected public officials of South Bend, St. Joseph County and Mishawaka in these trying economic times would be fiscally prudent. Section II. The legislative branch of the City of South Bend, which is charged with overseeing the finances of the city with the City Administration, believes that in light of Indiana state law providing a mechanism to review decreasing various income generating devices such as county economic development income tax (CEDIT), which can only take place between March 31st through July 31st, a 2011 Financial Summit is in order. Section III. Upon the adoption of this Resolution by the South Bend Common Council, the sponsors, Council President Derek D. Dieter and Council Member at Large Timothy A. Rouse shall be authorized to begin setting a series of date(s), times(s) and location(s) so that such discussion may commence. Section IV. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after its adoption by the Council and approval by the Mayor. s/Derek D. Dieter Member of the Common Council 2