Cities and Towns Association

The pre-eminent organization for networking and information regarding Indiana Cities and Towns is the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns.

Some important resources there:

• IACT support of Kernan Shepard reforms for local government reform
• IACT Background and structure
• Indiana Conference of Mayors affiliate group

For more information call or check out the website:

Indiana Association of Cities and Towns
200 South Meridian Street, Suite 340
Indianapolis, IN 46225
(317) 237-6200

Indiana Cities and Towns

News today that affects our clients and potential clients:

"When asked what Northwest Indiana supporters of the Kernan-Shepard recommendations can do to promote his plans, Daniels' said, "Make noise, please."

Daniels' push for implementing the recommendations of the Kernan-Shepard commission came just days after Senate legislation to enact the reforms was amended to exclude Lake County from a key provision to replace county commissioners with a single county executive." From the Times

Hammond and Whiting discussing consolidating some services.

St. John and Dyer head to court over annexation battle.

Mayor of Portage still committed to consolidating 911 with county dispatch, to save money and to increase public safety. Head of fire union speaks out about not being included earlier.

Possible legislation in Indiana

We are attempting to keep abreast of pending legislation in the statehouse this year, especially legislation that may affect our municipal government clients. Here are the bills we're currently watching, how do you think they will affect local government?

House of Representatives Committee Schedule

House Bill 1620 would require government building to be built using energy efficiency standards established by the Indiana Energy Conservation Code. Curious, since we don't know a lot about this code if this substantially increases the cost of construction?

House Bill 1669 affects school corporations in the State of Indiana who desire to install a geothermal heating system, and the revolving funds available to do so.

House Bill 1435 which establishes a $10 judicial fee for the purpose of building a judicial center in Lake County

House Bill 1433 modifies the procedure to appeal a property tax exemption

House Bill 1441 offers changes to procedures for plan commissions

House Bill 1530 suggests a method for borrowing up to $2 million for consolidating government functions

More in a few minutes, General Assembly site is running slow this morning

Question - economic impact of adding an employee

Today a good friend asked a really solid question:

What is the impact of creating a job? Let's say the job pays $50,000 and is located in Indiana.

I did a little research, since it's nuggets like this that really make for policy decisions. The rule of thumb appears to be that wages "echo" through the economy resulting in roughly 3 times the impact of the original wage.

Some of that impact is in tax revenues to local, state and federal government. Some is in housing costs, consumer goods, and household necessities. Sure there would be dramatic regional differences and in some areas of the country a $50,000 wage isn't even enough to own a home and car. But all in all, creating good solid jobs creates a lot of opportunity and activity.

If you happen across this post and have some good links to studies with details, we'd love to continue the conversation.