MIAMI COUNTY COUNCIL
25 NORTH BROADWAY
PERU, INDIANA 46970
August 21, 2007

The meeting was opened and the pledge to the flag was lead by Councilman Click.

Councilman Click announced that Councilman McAuliffe has been appointed to the Middle Eel River Watershed Board.

MINUTES
Councilman Click said he has one amendment to the minutes. Councilman Duckwall was absent for the July meeting and Councilman Click would like the minutes to reflect it was due to illness.

A motion to approve the minutes with the amended statement was made by Councilman Wiles. The motion was 2nd by Councilperson Mull and passed 7-0.

EMERGENCY APPROPRIATIONS
None

It is noted that the Mexico Sewer District appropriation will be addressed in September due to it not being advertised for this meeting.

ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE
Councilman Duckwall moved to adopt the Dog Ordinance. The motion was 2nd by Councilman McAuliffe. Councilman Wiles asked why the 20% collected has to go to Purdue. County Attorney David Grund explained that the State statute dictates the break down of funds in that ordinance. A vote of 7-0 was taken to pass the ordinance.

EMA ORDINANCE TO COLLECT FEES AND CREATE A NON REVERTING FUND
EMA Director Mike Peconga gave an explanation of the non reverting fund and the types of spills and accidents he could collect reimbursement from if the County Council passes this ordinance. Mr. Peconga explained that if any money is to be used from the fund established he would have to have it appropriated by the County Council. Councilman Kendall asked why it could not go into the general fund. County Attorney Grund explained that the funds have to be used in the manner the ordinance outlines. Mr. Grund will do some research to see if the funds could be placed into the general fund instead of being a non reverting fund. Councilman Kendall moved to table this ordinance until the September meeting. The motion was 2nd by Councilperson Mull and passed 6-1. Councilman Duckwall voted against the tabling of this motion.

REASSESSMENT AND LOIT PRESENTATION
Senator Tom Weatherwax addressed the Council and public concerning the Reassessment process and the procedures and requirements of the PTBOA Board of Tax Appeals. Senator Weatherwax gave out information concerning the requirements of individuals to be appointed to the Tax Appeals Board. He stated that the Legislature changed the law to allow tax payers 45 days after they receive their bill to appeal. This is a change from 45 days from the receiving of the notice of assessment. Senator Weatherwax said that in the Counties he represents there is an average raise of 24% in taxes. He figured Miami County at a 20% increase.

Senator Weatherwax explained the Local Option Income Tax that the Legislature has passed to give Counties the opportunity to give tax payers some relief.

It was noted that he had voted to take the schools cost over by the State. He said he hesitates to support the taking over Welfare by the State because we would be supporting Lake County.

Commissioner Hawley said Curt Burrow said he would come to Miami County for a review of our process and Senator Weatherwax said he and Mr. Hawley will meet with Mr. Burrow to arrange that meeting.
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August 21, 2007

Cherave Stone asked about abatements and how it plays into the process. Councilman Click explained the abatement issue and that we only have a few and they are for equipment and it is an incentive for businesses to create jobs.

Councilman Duckwall voiced concerns about adopting LOIT tax. He said the County is not growing and in 3 or 4 years what happens if the income is not meeting our needs. Senator Weatherwax stated that the law locks you in for 2 years only. After that, it is reviewed and either continued or dropped.

A citizen from the audience stated that when the circuit breaker kicks in we will have more issues to contend with.

The Treasurer told Senator Weatherwax that she would like to propose the State take all Schools and Welfare and possible the Judicial including Probation and fund it with a raise in sales tax or income tax.

Scott Shepperd said if our values are correct then there is no need for trending since our values went down.

2007 BUDGET SHORTFALL
Councilman Click explained that we received our 1782 Notice from the DLGF last week and we were told to cut $1.4 Million from our 2007 budget. The Auditor stated that her office is working with the State to appeal this amount. She stated that the DLGF is here earlier and earlier every year and we do not get our fines and fees until later in the year. This causes it to appear that we are very short in our funding. Councilman Click asked the Commissioners to send a memo to all Departments telling them not to spend anything unless critical until this appeal process is over. Sheriff Roland asked about replacements of positions. Councilman Click said No replacements. The Sheriff noted this could be a safety issue.

A motion was made by Councilman Duckwall to hold a special Council meeting on September 6, 2007 at 7:00 pm to consider passing the LOIT tax. The motion was 2nd by Councilperson Mull and passed 7-0.

A motion to adjourn was made by Councilman Wiles and 2nd by Councilperson Mull. The motion passed 7-0.

Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Weaver, Auditor