State Sen. Brandt Hershman was a little ticked off after learning Friday Chrysler Group LLC, the new company formed with Fiat, won’t pay $6 million this spring in personal property taxes.
“This is not only a firm refusing to pay taxes that will provide it with police and fire protection, but it’s also putting the burden on the back of a community already struggling,” the Monticello Republican said.
He wasn’t finished. He said the fact Fiat acquired Chrysler through a federal bailout program made the non-payment worse.
“It adds insult to injury, because it’s a firm which has succeeded because of the people who do pay their taxes,” he said.
The taxing units expected to be impacted the most are Howard County, the City of Kokomo, Northwestern School Corp. and Kokomo-Center Schools. At Northwestern, the portion of Chrysler’s non-payment is 30 percent of the corporation’s collections.
Howard County Council President Dick Miller said Friday he believes the county will have no choice but to ask for a state loan to make up for the shortfall. The other three likely will have to make the same choice.
Howard County officials deserve praise for their foresight on this issue. They anticipated Chrysler might withhold payment. They contacted state Rep. Ron Herrell and Sens. Hershman and Jim Buck.
Last week, the Indiana House passed an amendment to its budget bill that frees up the state’s Rainy Day Fund and makes loans available to Howard County taxing units. Hershman said Friday he expected the Senate budget bill would contain a similar provision.
County attorney Larry Murrell said officials still are in negotiations with Chrysler about the personal property taxes. We hope a settlement that benefits bother parties is reached.
In the meantime, Howard County taxing units have a fall-back plan – one that wouldn’t have been possible without the action of county officials.
Opinion
EDITORIAL: County officials rescue tax units
- Opinion
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Cast a vote for centers
The issue: Vote centers in Howard County.
Our view: Centers are less expensive to operate and more convenient for the average voter.
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White shouldn’t return to office
The issue: The conviction of Indiana’s secretary of state.
Our view: Charlie White’s ouster from office should be permanent.
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Editorial - Feb. 8, 2012: Grand success for Indianapolis
The issue: The Super Bowl.
Our view: Indianapolis left a great impression on thousands of visitors.
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Letters to the Editor: Feb. 8, 2012
As Hoosiers celebrate the conclusion of a truly remarkable Super Bowl experience, there is even more good news that should fill us with pride. More Indiana students are graduating from high school than ever before.
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Which religions will we include?
The Indiana Senate last week approved a bill that would allow public schools to teach creationism, as long as they include theories from multiple religions.
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If you say so
In an opinion piece we published Thursday, state Rep. Mike Karickhoff announced why he voted against “right-to-work” legislation. His reason: The community told him to.
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Cheers and jeers - Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Karickhoff acted ‘cowardly’
The Rev. Robin Wentworth Mayer and Horst G. Mayer of Kokomo send the Jeer for state Rep. Mike Karickhoff’s silence during the “right-to-work” debate:
“Mr. Karickhoff, for someone who’s new to office, you’ve certainly learned the art of talking out of both sides of your mouth.
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Let’s drug test our lawmakers
Perhaps it’s appropriate that a measure passed by the Indiana House this week would ask not only welfare recipients but Indiana lawmakers to consent to a drug test.
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Editorial - Feb. 2, 2012: Peru delivers a message
The issue: Peru’s collection of $20,000 last year from property owners who failed to keep their yards mowed.
Our view: Aggressive enforcement can help a city’s finances, but the benefits go beyond dollars and cents.
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Karickhoff: Reason behind my ‘right-to-work’ vote
There is no doubt the “right-to-work” debate has brought mixed emotions, not only to our state but District 30 as well. There were only a handful of House Republicans who did not vote in support of this legislation. Let me explain why I felt it was necessary for me to vote in opposition to right to work.
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