DLGF Rushenberg resigns

>When I was appointed by Governor Daniels 15 months ago, he gave me one mission - return counties to on-time property tax billing. I was also directed to restore relationships and re-build the credibility of the Department with local government officials. As I write to you today, I can say with great pride that our mission has been accomplished.

Today, we will sign Clark County's budget order -- #83. I have told you weekly of our progress in my weekly email, so it will come as no surprise to you that we are 6 months ahead of where we were last year! The 83rd budget order was issued on September 9, 2009. We will issue #87 by the end of March! This is quite a feat - one that was accomplished through the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the process - local and state officials. Kudos to each of you! Taxpayers in the vast majority of counties will receive on-time tax bills for the first time in several years. Mission accomplished. I wanted to fly a fighter jet onto the deck of the carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to show my appreciation to each of you for accomplishing our mission, but I don't know how to fly -- I was a JAG in the Air Force, not a pilot.

In addition to restoring the property assessment-to-tax billing cycle, the Department has built a reputation of excellence throughout the State - both in the accomplishments we have made and the customer service we provide. We have truly lived up to the Core Values I set for the Department when I was appointed in December 2008: Taxpayer First. Respect for Local Control. Excellence in All We Do.

Knowing this, I have decided it is time for me to move on, and I have resigned to seek other opportunities in the private sector. My resignation is effective today.

I have truly appreciated being a part of this Team, and wish each of you all the best. I will miss the friends I have made and will never forget what we accomplished together as a Team - local and state together. Mission accomplished.

To paraphrase Bing Crosby's character, Father O'Malley, from the film "The Bells of St. Mary's", if any of you ever need anything, just dial "O" for O'Malley.

March 2010 Update on Indiana Municipal Finance

Once in a while it is good to spend a few minutes looking at the big picture in Indiana municipal finance, some links we found that are worth reading and pondering:

• Hammond Indiana - Calumet Avenue Corridor Study - this is a survey for the public to give their input as the City of Hammond completes the plan for redeveloping the Calumet Corridor. (Via City of Hammond website). In the interest of full disclosure, Cender and Company is providing this analysis to the City, and you can see the background information and maps for this project at our website: Indiana Municipal Finance and Bond Consultants.
• The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF) issues weekly updates on the status of property tax bills in all 92 counties. We keep an eye on these updates as well as working to assist many of the northern Indiana counties with compliance.
  
• Just across the border in Michigan's lake country, Redamak's opens today! (via #nwindiana twitter search)
• The Illiana Expressway gained steam once again, at least the Lake County portion, when lawmakers on both sides of the aisle worked to pass legislation. (via Times)

What stories are you watching today, in economic development and municipal finance, Indiana is ahead of many states ... but unemployment is hurting everyone.