A public hearing Tuesday night in Marshall County brought as many opinions as individuals in attendance.
The Marshall County Council held the meeting to consider a possible tax increase. Under consideration is the application of a wheel tax to area motorists. It aims to better fund road repairs and improvements. A County Economic Development Income Tax has also been proposed. Those monies would be used to help attract business to Marshall County.
Dozens addressed the Marshall County Council, Tuesday night. Several top government and business officials expressed their support for the increases. PIDCO President Mike Miley says he wanted to express his organization’s opinions on the matter.
“Our board has been studying and discussing the important of the CEDIT and LOHUT taxes for some time now,” says Miley. “I’m here to express PIDCO’s support of both the LOHUT and CEDIT taxes at your earliest opportunity. We feel this is in the best interest of the county and our community.”
The state of Indiana considered roads a major issue during the short session of the General Assembly. Likewise, Marshall County has spent months considering the possibility of a long-term solution to their road funding woes.
Analysis of the county’s roadways led to the development of a multi-year road project plan. Funding that plan, however, was started earlier this year by the County Commissioners. They surveyed town boards to better understand what will receive support. Each of the local communities recommended utilizing both taxing options.
Some members of the public indicated additional taxes are a cost burden. Jesse Bohannon resides in Bremen. He says there are other options for the county to consider for roads, but said CEDIT should also not be approved.
“I don’t believe it’s the proper role of government to be taking money from private citizens and be giving it to business,” says Bohannon. “Even if we can show some results from that, it’s just not the proper role of government, so I would encourage you guys to vote against that.”
The public hearing is just one step in the approval process. The Marshall County Council will likely consider passage of the tax increases at their June meeting.
Members of the board provided no indication on their level of support for the taxes.
