PLYMOUTH – Wednesday Marshall County had a first meeting of a new mandated body the Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce.
County Council President Tim Harman chaired the meeting.
Indiana’s local income tax structure was governed by a system in which county income tax rates and their distribution were largely determined by county councils, with limited formal input from municipal entities. Significant reforms have been introduced to increase local flexibility and formalize the negotiation process. Beginning March 1, 2026, counties may establish a Municipal Unit Strategic Taskforce (MUST) comprising representatives from county councils and fiscal officers (Clerk-Treasurers for the most part) from all cities and towns within the county. Other taxing units such as fire, EMS, library and school corporations are also encouraged to be part of the process.
This task force creates a formal forum for local governments to collaboratively address income tax distribution decisions.
The various taxing units voiced their concerns, Plymouth Mayor Robert Listenberger.
Bremen School Corporation Business Manager Stephanie Pittman said that while schools aren’t directly affected by the new legislation, they would like to be part of the discussions since decisions regarding tax distribution affect them as well.
