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Here are the three big things that happened at tonight’s City-County Council Meeting.
The Council approved a measure putting the issue of keeping the township assessors on the November ballot.
It also voted down a procedural motion which would have allowed you to pay your property tax reconcilliation bill in installments. Democrats say the law already allows for it, but Republicans say it doesn’t cover everyone and needed Council approval to do it.
The Council also allowed Vernon Brown (for the fourth or fifth time) to bring up his proposal to eliminate the County Option Income Tax Increase on the public safety pension. The measure got sent back to committee again.
And Doris Minton-McNeill didn’t say much tonight except “no comment” and she publicly acknowledged her pastor and her political supporters.
That’s all folks.
June 24th, 2008 at 7:27 am
As to the property tax issue, the discussion was (as usual) heavy on the importance of getting all the revenue the government needs to keep churning along, and light on compassion and accommodation of the taxpayer who is having this sudden and massive burden being dumped on them.
June 24th, 2008 at 8:00 am
Is it true Vernon Brown also explained his vote by saying “my constituents don’t pay property taxes. They live in apartments.” (see (Hoosier Access for transcript quote). Apparently there is more work for the voters to do to gut the city counsel of stupedity and tunnel vision, so that their employers, the taxpayers, get fairly represented. Coupled with the arrest of an alledged drunken member under charges of battery and resisting arrest, will council members continue to make themselves look like self indulgent idiots or cut their losses and get down to business?
June 24th, 2008 at 10:44 am
I tried to watch on Ch. 16 last night, but an IPL transformer blew in my area, and we had no power for three hours. Thanks for the blow-by-blow, Abdul.
I can’t imagine why anyone would vote against property tax monthly installments. It’d make things a lot easier for many of us. Maybe the Democrats thought giving this concession to Republicans, would let the GOP “claim” it as a reform the GOP introduced?
If that’s the reason, it’s disgusting.
As for Ms. Minton-McNeill, she’s entitled to her day in court. Are we to expect a City Hall press conference, ala Ron Gibson, with all Dems standing behind her in support?
If she’s smart, she’ll remain silent until it’s all over. Word has it there are witnesses for both sides, so it will come down to the veracity of those witnesses.
Which is exactly why the Court system is there.
PP: Stupidity is spelled with an “i”, not an “e.”
June 24th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Sounds like a procedural issue of adding the subject of consolidating township assessors into the county onto the November ballot since this was passed into law by state legislature.
Indianapolis and South Bend need to consolidate the township assessors into the county as required by the rest of the state.
If this is not passed than it will be proven that the politicians have completely ignored the Kernan Shepard commission and have not solved the property tax mess.
June 25th, 2008 at 9:02 am
Ok, Adam…and you point is…?
June 25th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Wait a minute. Someone actually wants to put money back in the peoples pocket. Hell yes eliminate the COIT for public safety increase. The state picked up the police pension so there is plenty of money without the increase. Man, I can’t believe Ballard didn’t think of this. Or will Mayor Ballard find an excuse to use the money for one of his pet projects like “Bum Boxes” to eliminate panhandlers.
June 26th, 2008 at 12:40 am
The State picked up the pension fund but required the City to lower the property tax accordingly. Pension fund balance 30 mil, city to reduce property tax 30 mil. Get the picture?
Can we afford to reduce the property taxes and lower the COIT at the same time? I don’t know. As of now no one can answer this question. It will take a little time.
The CCC needs to take the time and study this then act. Brown’s proposal is missing a key ingredient, knowledge.
The real question Brown should be answering is why did he stand with the democrat CCC lie and raise the taxes to began with. Clearly the former administration didn’t study the issues to a conclusion. The current administration needs to complete the job before someone makes another stupid mistake.
Do I want tax relief? Yes, but I also want the job done right.
June 26th, 2008 at 3:12 am
Want tax relief? Bring back the ‘poor farms’. Build Quonset huts for these welfare recipients, and PUT THEM TO WORK.
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If Quonset huts and tents are good enough for our troops, then they are good enough for people who have ‘claims upon the sympathy’ of the taxpayers.
June 26th, 2008 at 10:31 am
Robert - there is one major flaw with your recommendation. It’s in direct violation of the foundational “from each according to his ability, to each according to his needs” tenet that forms the basis of the governments promise to be the benefactor of the people.
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That kind of marxist ideology is sold to us via our wonderful public schools, who sell us on the wonderful New Deal by omiting the fact that the deal was hatched by private finance who were taking advantage of the Federal Reserve System. The goal of the welfare state isn’t to provide welfare for the needy - that’s just the selling tool. The goal is for private banks to issue loans to the government in order to earn exhorbinant profit at YOUR expense. The loan interest is paid by your government mandated paycheck contributions.
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So, if you’re wondering why the system is flawed and so many undeserving people receive welfare, it’s because the laws are written to get as many people as possible on the program - without seeming too obvious or rediculous. There is no goal to get people off welfare. The goal is too maintain as many recipients as possible, in order to justify as many private loans to the government as possible, in order to generate the most income for the finance corporations.
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Low income classes are a tool to justify pulling the money from YOUR pocket. Therefore, the Quonset hut idea will never fly. It removes the justification for banks to manipulate the government into taking your money.
June 26th, 2008 at 9:11 pm
The State picked up the 30 mil public safety pension and the cost of juvenile committments which runs roughly 8 mil a year and welfare caseloads if I am not mistaken (probably alot). Not sure what the adds up to but if Reaganomics (see Bush “stimulus” check) come into play, Da Mayor should give the COIT back to the people to spur new economic development and growth for Indianapolis. Isn’t this the GOP mantra/platform all along?? Funny how Deputy Mayor of Economic Development Weber has been silent the last 6 month eh Abby? Bad economy and he is no where to be found. Hmmmmm