Lake County Budget Schedule

From Lake County Indiana site:

Wednesday, September 9,1:00 p.m.- Budget Workshop

Thursday, September 10, 1:00 p.m.- Budget Workshop

Tuesday, September 15, 10:00 a.m.- Budget Workshop*

Wednesday, September 16, 1:00 p.m.- Budget Workshop*

Thursday, September 17, 1:00 p.m.- Budget Workshop

Tuesday, September 22, 10:00 a.m.- Budget Workshop

Wednesday, September 23, 1:00 p.m.- Budget Workshop

Thursday, September 24, 9:00 a.m.- 1st Reading

Tuesday, September 29, 9:00 a.m.- Budget Workshop

Wednesday, September 30, 1:00 p.m.- Budget Workshop

Thursday, October 1, 1:00 p.m. - Budget Workshop

Tuesday, October 6 , 9:00 a.m.- 2nd Reading Final Budget

Indiana DLGF - controlled projects

This release came out yesterday and may be helpful to our clients:

Changes to Controlled Projects memo from DLGF

Petition and Remonstrance Process flowchart

Local Public Question flowchart

Indiana municipal consolidations

Not many municipal entities so far have taken advantage of the Indiana state law that allows, and the Governor has encouraged even, consolidations. Umbaugh and Associates has written a two part article on the topic, click the link for the full article:

Is It Time To Consider Consolidation?

Part 2 in a series.

In our last issue we explored the advantages of consolidating with another governmental unit. Those advantages include improved management of growth and development, identifying and defending borders, developing a broader tax base, resource sharing and efficiency, enhanced ability to provide services, better coordination among taxing units and following the recommendations for better local government from the Kernan-Shepard report.

If you've reviewed the potential issues outlined in the first article and decided to pursue consolidation, the next step is to convene an ad hoc committee to discuss the merits of consolidation. The committee's findings should be presented to each governing body as you ask for approval to continue.

Next, create reorganization committees to break down key components for further discussion (i.e.-finance, public safety, ordinances, etc.).

Although many municipal finance and organizational consulting firms are contemplating the possibilities with their clients right now, we too would be pleased to meet on the subject. This is new territory for everyone, with the consolidation in Zionsville Indiana being the only real case study ... let's meet soon and work through the options.

Cender and Company

219-736-1800

Indiana DLGF memo on exempt debt

The Indiana Department of Local Government Finance sent out the following memo and charts to help local government organizations better understand the impact of the circuit breaker tax credits on exempt debt and the imperative directions concerning debt payments:

DLGF Memo

Related diagrams of explanation: Unit Payment of Debt Service and Distribution Method with and without exempt rates.

If you have further questions on the application of these memos to your municipal budget, levy, or tax rate please call our office at 219-736-1800 today ... ask for Dan Botich or Karl Cender.

If you want to subscribe to our free monthly newsletter please send an email to Steve Dalton and we'll add you to our opt-in list.

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.