12-11-08 Common Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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SPECIAL MEETING DECEMBER 11, 2008 Councilmember Dieter thanked everyone for expressing their thoughts and concerns on this very difficult decision. He thanked the County Council in advance for stepping up to the plate and will hold their meeting next week. He thanked Mayor Luecke for taking the leadership role and compromising the percentage. He stated that the State surely is to blame; however, the problem is here and needs to be dealt with. He did agree with exploring the options with the revenue in the TIF Districts and lobbying the State Legislature for changing the law on how that money can be used. He stated that South Bend has a great deal of non-profit agency located with the corporate city limits that do not contribute to the tax base. The greatest concern is the abandoned houses that plague the City of South Bend. People have left those homes and now the City if faced with the challenge and financial responsibility of removing them. All these factors compounded with the property tax bills going out late, it the Holiday Season, end of the year expenses, it is just a lot to deal with at one time. He stated that he believes there are other options out there that need to be pursued so that the share of tax can be spread to other people and not just the residents of the City of South Bend and St. Joseph County. He stated no matter what the outcome tonight, he pledge to work with the City Administration to continue to look at the budget and make the necessary decisions that are in the best interest of all citizens. Councilmember Dieter made a motion to amend Bill No. 08-107, from 0.5% to 0.25%. Councilmember Varner seconded the motion. The motion was defeated by a roll call vote of seven (7) nays and two (2) ayes (Councilmember’s Dieter, Varner) Councilmember Kirsits made a motion to adopt Substitute Bill No. 08-107. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of six (6) ayes and three (3) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Varner, Dieter) Councilmember Ann Puzzello made a motion to adopt Bill No. 08-108. Councilmember Oliver Davis seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of seven (7) ayes and two (2) nays (Councilmember’s Henry Davis, Varner) ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the President Timothy Rouse adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m. ATTEST: ATTEST: ____________________________ ____________________________ John Voorde, City Clerk Timothy Rouse, President 19