(La Porte County, IN) - There will not be a vote tonight on the proposed increase in the local income tax to better fund public safety.

 

La Porte County Councilman Mike Rosenbaum said the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance, under state law, has to review the proposal first before there can be a vote.

 

“Because it’s a resolution and has to do with taxes, our attorney sent it down to DLGF, which is the legal department for the state, and they’re reviewing it to make sure everything is in order,” Rosenbaum said.

All 11 municipalities in La Porte County have voted to support the proposed half-percent increase in the local income tax to make wages for emergency responders more competitive with surrounding communities.

 

The final decision is up to the La Porte County Council, which meets tonight at 6 p.m. Rosenbaum said a public hearing on the proposal would occur at a special county council meeting tentatively scheduled for April 11. A final vote by the council will occur during its meeting on April 25.

 

Emergency responders have left for jobs in surrounding counties that pay thousands of dollars more annually. Without a tax increase to fund higher wages, officials are concerned about longer response times and lower quality of care from workforce shortages, and a lack of experienced individuals taking their skills elsewhere.