More Revenue for Public Safety

The Council passed Proposal No. 264, 2007 by a vote of 15 -- 13.  The proposal would increase the County Option Income Tax (COIT) to fund public safety pensions, increase the number of police officers on the street, and continue other crime fighting efforts. In addition, the proposal freezes property tax levies at their 2007 levels for two years.  It includes $30 million for criminal justice, $11 million for new police officers, $10 million for police and fire contracts, and $5 million for crime prevention.

President Monroe Gray Jr. stated, "This funding will continue to support public safety officers and their efforts in crime fighting and prevention.  It will also provide much needed funding for public safety pensions."

Vice President Joanne Sanders said, "Passage of this proposal was necessary because no agency or group of agencies could cut enough from the budget to cover the costs that ensure the safety of our community.  This vote provides fiscal stability for our community for the long term."

The Indiana General Assembly gave local governments the option to shift away from property taxes through COIT increases as a source of revenue through House Enrolled Act 1478.