Monday, December 21, 2009

Porter County property taxes

Under the headline: "County fears tax collections may be down" the Times went ahead with a story that isn't quite a complete picture.

On Friday there was a flurry of activity when an unofficial report came out of the Porter County information office of Sharon Lippens suggesting that some tax collections may be a lot lower than expected. In subsequent review though the figures were not exactly as they appeared and County Auditor Kopp and Lippens were going to further review.

So far it does appear collections may be a bit lower than normal years, which tend to be in the 95% average, but it stands to be seen if they are quite a bit lower. Bills did go out and were due in Porter County on December 4, 2009.

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Gary asking for a land based casino

Can Gary Indiana use a land based casino to increase gaming revenues, help continue to reduce property tax rates to state caps, and create jobs through construction stimulus?

The possibility of sweeping casino legislation in Indiana has Gary leaders looking for some solutions, and opportunities. The political implications, analyzed and argued elsewhere I'm sure, notwithstanding this does seem to be one possible solution to the intractable problems facing the City of Gary and it's related governmental agencies.