Welcome to the Hoosier State – where we love our basketball in MARCH but dread the MADNESS of tax season!
First, congratulations to the Lady Tiger Basketball Team for their tremendous season and their incredible run in the 4A state tournament. Also, congratulations to the Boys Tiger Basketball Team for a great season and exciting sectional championship. Hard work, great coaching, and team spirit produced high level play on the court and great success for both Tiger Basketball programs – something we all love witnessing in March!
Second, let’s talk about taxes and public services at the local level. In December of last year, I shared that our property tax rate for this year would be 1.206, which is lower than it was a decade ago, decreasing from 1.229 in 2015 to 1.206 for 2025. We were also able to once again stay below the maximum levy established by the state Department of Local Government Finance, with Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory under by $596,602 and the City under by $234,941. Our Common Council members, the Clerk-Treasurer, and our department leaders accomplished this with wise and appropriate spending to provide desired services and promote policies that encourage residential, commercial, and industrial development – helping make Warsaw and our surrounding area a great place for “Living, Working, and Playing.”
Our new Governor’s “vision … for responsible government that … empowers the private sector to innovate and grow” has always been – and will continue to be – my daily approach for Warsaw, with guidance from constituents, our Common Council members, and the Clerk-Treasurer. During this legislative session, the General Assembly has been entertaining major property tax reform proposals that might upend this local stewardship for growing cities like Warsaw. The sweeping changes being proposed within these tax bills, if not carefully amended and restructured in the coming weeks, risk destabilizing local finances and current public services – like infrastructure and roads, emergency services, wastewater treatment, and parks – for years to come.
Senator Ryan Mishler and Representative Craig Snow have been doing their best to only support proposals that address property tax concerns while also giving local officials the much-needed autonomy to serve constituents in their own jurisdictions. I greatly appreciate their willingness to listen and work through these complex issues for our entire area.
Speaking about the complexities of tax policy in our state, I believe it is also very important to remind everyone that according to the Tax Foundation’s 2025 State Tax Competitiveness Index, Indiana is ranked 10th best overall – with corporate taxes ranked 8th best and property taxes ranked 5th best in the nation. This report highlights the fact that state and local officials have already been providing a limited government that is accountable, responsible, and encourages private sector innovation and growth. It’s nice to know that just like our very successful and highly ranked Tiger Basketball programs, the State of Indiana is already one of the top ranked tax systems in the country and is also ranked #1 in the Midwest. I know I’m not talking basketball – but we should all love that fact!
This quarterly column “… from the Mayor” will provide brief updates, the sharing of opinions, establishing vision, identifying priorities, and offering potential solutions for residents in our community. You may contact my office via email at [email protected] or by phone at 574-372-9595.
Your Neighbor,
Jeff R. Grose
Mayor of Warsaw