Vanderburgh County officials are expressing their opposition to proposed state legislation that would eliminate personal property taxes on business equipment.
Vanderburgh County Commissioners have sent Governor Pence a letter expressing “strong opposition” to the tax cut, saying that the county already has the option to approve tax abatements to promote economic development.
The proposed tax cuts, supported by Pence, are meant to attract and foster future investment in Indiana. But many city governments — and now Vanderburgh County — say eliminating the tax would undermine their ability to maintain services. Vanderburgh County estimates the cut would reduce its revenue by $5 million a year.
Vanderburgh County Commission President Joe Kiefer tells the Evansville Courier and Press that businesses are “just as concerned with having high quality police service, good quality parks and roads.”
Gov. Pence has released a statement indicating he would be “open” to replacing revenue lost to local governments with state money.