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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 22, 2004
<br /> Mr. Wickstrom stated that the current application of the homestead and mortgage exemptions
<br /> has placed an unfair tax burden on non-owner occupied residential property and tenants. The
<br /> Petition by the Michiana Income Property Owners Association, Inc., states that they would like to
<br /> have a homestead deduction to residential rental property comparable to those available to owner
<br /> occupied homes. Provide older home credits to encourage investment and home ownership in
<br /> the inner city. Provide mortgage exemptions to residential rental property owners who have been
<br /> discriminated against in the past. Repeal the large corporation tax breaks enacted in 2002 and
<br /> provide residential rental property owners a share of the renters income tax deduction.
<br /> Ms. Penny Hughes, 1918 Southernview Dr., South Bend, Indiana, Secretary, Michiana Income
<br /> Property Owners Association, Inc., spoke regarding property taxes in St. Joseph County. Ms.
<br /> Hughes stated that her property taxes have jumped from $38,000.00 a year to $73,000.00 on five
<br /> (5) rental homes. Ms. Hughes noted that the reassessment took all of her profits for the year for
<br /> taxes. Ms. Hughes advised the Council that the landlords feel that their efforts to improve the
<br /> inner city haven't been appreciated very much.
<br /> Ms. Vicki Black, 26123 Brush Trail, South Bend, Indiana, advised that she and her husband buy,
<br /> renovate and sell property. She stated that there is no longer an incentive for them to invest
<br /> within Portage Township. Ms. Black informed the Council that many of her tenants are on
<br /> Section 8, and they will not allow her to increase rent to absorb the increase in the property tax.
<br /> She noted that the Resolution specifically requests special credits and exemption for rental
<br /> properties and older homes within City limits. Ms. Black asked the Council to sign their
<br /> Resolution and to take this issue seriously as it does affect the entire City of South Bend.
<br /> Mr. Donald Stante, 53123 Saint Abbs Ct., South Bend, Indiana, advised the Council that his
<br /> property taxes on his rental on Portage Avenue have gone from six hundred dollars ($600.00) to
<br /> two thousand six hundred dollars ($2,600.00) a year. Mr. Stante stated that if the State does not
<br /> allow tax credits to renters there will be a lot of homes in South Bend left empty. Mr. Stante
<br /> noted that he will sell his properties and get out of the business.
<br /> Ms. Linda Brammer, 3002 Miami Street, South Bend, Indiana, advised that Council that her
<br /> property taxes have increased ten thousand dollars ($10,000.00) a year. She noted that the tax
<br /> increase is obscene and said that homeowners are afraid they will lose their homes. Ms.
<br /> Brammer stated that she is a stay at home mom with eight (8) children. She noted that with this
<br /> property tax increase it would make it virtually impossible to sell their home. She indicated that
<br /> the monthly taxes alone would be one thousand two hundred dollars ($1,200.00)
<br /> Ms. Edi Mathis, 53222 Martin Lane, South Bend, Indiana, advised the Council that some
<br /> landlords may be forced to sell their rental homes to make ends meet. Ms. Mathis wondered
<br /> what impact this would have on the residential property values in the city as well as the County.
<br /> Mr. James English, 113 N. Ellsworth, South Bend, Indiana, member of the Michiana Income
<br /> Property Owners Association informed the Council that he is rehabbing houses with his sweat
<br /> and blood, and the State of Indiana and local government officials have kicked the ladder out
<br /> from underneath him.
<br /> Ms. Darlene Murdick, 53270 Placid Dr., South Bend, Indiana, Vice-President, Michiana Income
<br /> Property Owners Association, Inc., spoke regard the property tax increase. Ms. Murdick advise
<br /> the Council to look at what impact the property tax increase is having on the tax base in St.
<br /> Joseph County. Ms. Murdick stated that she pays quite a bit of property tax and with the large
<br /> increase, she feels that landlords will just have to sell their properties or walk away from them,
<br /> therefore, causing the tax base to fluctuate dramatically.
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