During their regular February meeting, the Bourbon Town Council discussed the potential economic impact of Senate Bill 1 – Property Tax Relief, approved an Economic Development Agreement with CRP Bourbon LLC, and UPS Bourbon.
Senate Bill 1 – Property Tax Relief
Clerk-Treasurer Kim Berger presented an estimate to Council members of potential impact should SB 1 pass; which is set to cut property taxes in the State of Indiana. Though personally some people would like to pay less in property taxes; the impact to communities overall is significant. (The bill can be read in its entirely at iga.in.gov)
Berger illustrated that for calendar year 2026 Bourbon would be down $120,000; which could impact Human Resources. Additional impacts to the school, library and the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) District were mentioned.
According to Berger, the League of Clerk Treasurers have informed government leadership at the state level on the potential impact to their communities but encouraged members of the public to voice their positions as well.
Economic Development Agreement with CRP Bourbon LLC
The Council also approved an Economic Development Agreement with CRP Bourbon LLC to pursue economic development within two miles of the current boundaries of town limits of the Town of Bourbon with a focus on new housing developments. According to language in the agreement, CRP Bourbon LLC is currently evaluating one or more sites for such projects that may generate additional assessed value, construction and permanent jobs and housing using which will significantly benefit Bourbon and promote growth.
UPS – Bourbon
Berger had reached out to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Marshall County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) Greg Hildebrand regarding certain claims regarding UPS – Bourbon. Hildebrand informed the Council during public input that he did contact UPS – Bourbon to inform them the Town of Bourbon was very interested in keeping them here and to let them know if anything could be done to accommodate needs. Hildebrand noted that often times such decisions are made at a higher than local level. Berger noted that it was reported on television that someone went on record to state that UPS – Bourbon would not be shut down. Though rumors are circulating on social media, no official statement regarding a final decision has been released from UPS Corporate regarding the status of the Bourbon facility as to whether it would be closed or would remain open.
