Mayors Gather To Face Falling Property Taxes

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(STATEHOUSE) - Mayors from across Indiana gathered outside the Statehouse Wednesday to let lawmakers know they need more financial flexibility because of decreasing property tax revenues.

Many Indiana cities and towns are facing a budget crisis to maintain city services. Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold says different revenue sources are needed for economic growth. He says a city needs to provide a clean and safe environment so businesses will locate and to grow.

West Lafayette Mayor Jan Mills says many city employees are cross-trained to operate equipment for more efficiency and manpower that deliver city services has been reduced as the city continues to grow.

Financial flexibility could mean tax increases but city leaders point out that each city is different and it will be local voters who decide just how much a city could levy.

Legislation to grant local governments the ability for new revenue streams has been introduced in the past few years and has yet to be heard by lawmakers this year.

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