(La Porte County, IN) - A vote on the proposed increase in the local income tax for public safety was scheduled on Monday night by the La Porte County Council. A meeting is scheduled for April 11 to decide the matter.

 

During the public comment portion of last night’s meeting, Michigan City Common Councilman Paul Przybylinski said competitive wages for police and firefighters are not a problem in his community after recent contract negotiations. Przybylinski believes that a half percent increase in the local income tax, especially with inflation right now being so high, would create a hardship for too many Michigan City residents.

 

“The income level and the poverty level in Michigan City, people trying to make it, I believe it’s really objectionable,” Przybylinski said.

LaPorte Mayor Tom Dermody said the working people from Michigan City he’s talked to favor a higher income tax because of how vital it is to maintain quality public safety.

 

“One thing I’ve heard consistently is when I have an issue, I expect our police, our fires, our EMS to be there when we call,” Dermody said.

Dermody also called the proposal an investment in keeping communities safe. The special meeting for a vote is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. If approved, the income tax now at .095-percent would increase to 1.45-percent.