12-11-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008 facts that have been brought up by all the citizens here tonight who oppose these new taxes. Mr. Barry Baumbaugh, 12032 Timberline Trace, Granger, Indiana, advised that he is against any new taxes and recited a poem interjecting those feelings. Ms. Carole Kelly Havens, 12032 Timberline Trace, Granger, Indiana, advised that being here tonight speaking in opposition to these bills is just so wrong. She stated that everyone here should be at home baking cookies, writing Christmas Cards, wrapping gifts, decorating, and spending time with family and friends, not here at a City Council Meeting objecting to the most absurd idea of wanting new taxes. She stated that the economy is in such bad shape, people losing their jobs, their savings, their homes and the City of South Bend wants them to pay more taxes. She urged the Council to show the citizens of South Bend, Mishawaka, and St. Joseph County how to cut back, how to make ends meet. Ms. Havens got down on her knees begging the Council not to impose any new tax and take a long hard look at their budget, tighten their belts and do more with less. Mr. Jesse Davis, 210 Towle Avenue, Mishawka, Indiana, stated that he owns a small business. He has noticed that the City of South Bend is tearing down homes and buildings depleting the tax base and selling off the land for cheap. He advised that after that is done, then tax abatement if offered. He stated that it is time to cut the fat. He advised the Council to look at the budget again and start at the top. He stated that being a small business owner he knows that there are hard decisions that sometimes have to be made, but in the end it is the right thing to do. He urged the Council to vote against any new tax. Ms. Rita Kopala, 66559 Ivy Road, Lakeville, Indiana, stated that this is one of the best meetings that she has attended in a long, long time. She encouraged everyone present tonight to attend and participate in all the various County/City Government meetings. Ms. Kopala stated that they would be surprised at what goes on. She stated that she attends quite a few and has learned a lot over the years. In Rebuttal, Mayor Luecke reiterated the critical need for vital services. He thanked the Council for taking the first initiative. He stated that there were some very fine points raised this evening. Those speaking in opposition of the tax suggest that police and fire should be put first as a way of sacrificing them or using scare tactics. The Council has sat through budget hearings and knows what a large percent of the budget police and fire takes. The Council also knows that the spending plans for every department called for cuts and at a higher percentage in each department except in Police and Fire. Of course, Police and Fire get talked about because they are so important to the community, it is not a scare tactic, but as a sharing with the residents what the reality is of losing twenty-seven percent of the property tax revenue that is currently being received. There are many challenging decisions for the City of South Bend. He stated that as they look at potential shortfall of 18 million dollars in the 2010, the City will take numerous strategies to address that, first, is to look at more efficiency in government. Second is making cuts as necessary in government. Third is looking to grow the tax base, both jobs and assessed value in the Community. And finally, fourth is finding additional revenue streams. Mayor Luecke stated that he whole heartedly agree with everything that was said about petitioning the legislature to allow local governments different tools to supplement what is currently being held. He stated that he has for the past three years asked the State Legislature for additional tools without success. The tool that was given is the tool that is before the Council tonight. He asked the Council in the best interest of the Community to enact a 0.5% local income tax for general property tax relief in this County and a 0.25% local income tax for public safety. He stated that he would not be here tonight if he did not believe that this is essential for the City of South Bend to continue vital services to the community as they move forward. He asked the Council for their favorable consideration. 15