Saturday, February 23, 2008

DLGF says no to Peter (Fort Wayne City Council) attempt to rob Paul (Allen County Taxpayers)

Yes appears that the Department of Local Government Finance has said no to City Council in going back to rob Allen city taxpayers AGAIN. "The Department of Local Government Finance denied the city’s request to increase property taxes by $3.7 million this year, partly because the City Council voted not to take the increase last fall.

“It appears to be a double-cross on taxpayers, who, for months, have been promised a tax cut,” said Cheryl Musgrave, Department of Local Government Finance commissioner." according to a local newspaper article.

That's right City Council robbed the taxpayers when they froze the levy at the 2008 rate. But neither Tim Pape or Mitch Harper , the two lawyers are talking about that. Instead the two talking heads are playing the good cop bad cop game,
“The very fact Fort Wayne took the unusual step of freezing its 2008 levy at the 2007 level to provide property tax relief is evidence city officials knew the property tax environment in Indiana had changed,” according to the ruling.

Councilman Tim Pape, D-5th, criticized the governor, saying if the city is forced to cut essential services, he will tell concerned residents to take it up with the state. He said Daniels is “trying to play hero” by cutting property tax bills at the expense of local government services. He also said this appeared to be more of a political decision than a legal ruling.

“Her statement that we double-crossed shows all the motivation and intent from the governor why he denied this,” Pape said.

Councilman Mitch Harper, R-4th, was one of two council members to vote against the levy increase this month. He was pleased with the state’s ruling, noting he had raised similar concerns about the proposal last month.

“I think it’s a clear victory for beleaguered property taxpayers,” he said.

One blames the governor for the stealing of taxpayers dollars and the the other one suggest that at least he fought to protect the local taxpayers.
NOT, its the local officials who are hurting the property owners.


If either one of these lawyers wanted to do something for the taxpayers they would have sued in the taxpayers behalf for the overpricing of Allen County property by assessing officials.

Has that happened yet? If not both are blowing hot air.....

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