INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Tuesday Indiana lawmakers heard testimony on Governor Mike Braun’s property tax bill.
The bill would give homeowners an option of a 60% homestead reduction or a reversion to their 2021 tax bill. It would also put a two to three percent cap on property tax each year.
Supporters welcome the changes after they say taxes skyrocketed during the pandemic. However, at least two mayors, including Terre Haute Mayor Brandon Sakbun, said cutting property taxes could impact essential services.
“The negative impacts of this bill would likely lead to a mandated 10-15 percent cut which would put the City of Terre Haute in a very, very poor position from a public safety standpoint,” said Sakbun.
“Since 2020, the cost to repave a mile of road has surged 53 percent, and emergency medical response costs have jumped 33 percent,” said Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam.
Meanwhile, Gov. Braun said, his plan will put an emphasis on finding a proper balance between tax relief and funding local governments.
“I’m going to always be listening to something that’s reasonable because we don’t want to sacrifice essential services. We want to plow resources into our school districts, but look at it from both angles, which is what I’m doing,” said Gov. Braun.
The bill has not been voted on yet but is eligible for another hearing next week.
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