LOWELL — Lake County Farm Bureau (LCFB), Inc. will host a free, public information meeting on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 7 p.m. to help Lake County residents better understand Indiana’s Senate Enrolled Act 1 (SEA 1) and its impact on property taxes and locally funded services.
The meeting will take place at the Tri-Creek District Administration Office, 2055 East Commercial Avenue, Lowell, IN 46356. The public is encouraged to attend, and local media outlets are invited to cover the presentation and speak with participants about the impact of the property tax changes in Northwest Indiana.
SEA 1 made significant changes to Indiana’s property tax system. For homeowners, farmers, and business owners, those changes can affect more than an individual tax bill; they also influence the property tax revenue available to schools, libraries, fire protection, and other local taxing units.
The Lake County Farm Bureau meeting is intended to provide residents with a straightforward explanation of what changed, how the changes affect local communities, and what residents should understand as taxing units adjust to the new law.
Ryan Hoff, Senior Director of Government Affairs for Indiana Farm Bureau, will lead the presentation. Hoff brings decades of experience working in and around the Indiana General Assembly and has extensive experience with local government finance, taxes, and budgets, including more than a decade with the Association of Indiana Counties.
The presentation will address how SEA 1 changed Indiana’s property tax structure, how personal and real property taxes are affected, what the changes mean for locally funded entities, and what Indiana Farm Bureau anticipates may receive attention during future legislative sessions.
Following Hoff’s presentation, Dr. Andy Anderson, Superintendent of Tri-Creek School Corporation, will be available to answer questions about how the property tax changes have affected Tri-Creek Schools.
The discussion comes as Tri-Creek voters prepare to consider an operating referendum during the November 3 general election. Lake County Farm Bureau emphasizes that the September 30 meeting is strictly educational and informational and is not intended to promote, oppose or influence the outcome of the Tri-Creek Schools referendum.
Superintendents from neighboring school districts have also been invited to participate and discuss how property tax changes have affected their respective districts, giving attendees an opportunity to hear perspectives from communities throughout the region.
Topics expected to be covered include:
- A plain-language explanation of SEA 1 and the property tax changes it introduced
- How the law affects personal and real property taxation
- The impact on schools, libraries, fire protection and other locally funded services
- Why some Indiana school districts and local governments are considering referendums or other funding options
- Potential property tax issues lawmakers may revisit during future legislative sessions
Lake County Farm Bureau is hosting the meeting to give residents access to factual information as communities across Indiana work to understand the effects of the new property tax structure.
The program is free and open to the public, and no registration is required unless otherwise announced.
EVENT DETAILS
What: Lake County Farm Bureau Public Information Meeting: Understanding SEA 1 and Indiana Property Taxes
When: Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Where: Tri-Creek District Administration Office, 2055 East Commercial Avenue, Lowell, IN 46356
Parking: Guests should use the South Parking Lot
Entrance: Enter through the Auditorium entrance
Cost: Free and open to the public
Presenter: Ryan Hoff, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Indiana Farm Bureau
