Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
BOURBON - No taxpayers were present at the recent public hearing on the town's tax rate.
Council president Bill Keyser said the tax rates will probably come in at nearly the same figures as the present rate, which is $2.6932 per $100 of assessed valuation. Keyser said this figure was arrived at because the various department heads kept costs down.
Town clerk Jacqualine Murphy said the police budget was increased for 2001 because the grant that provided funds for a fifth police officer will expire in September. At that time the town will begin to pay the entire amount of that extra salary. She said major health and life insurance policies were another area that saw substantial increases. This will be the first year that dependent coverage has been offered to employees and town funds will share those additional costs on a 50-50 basis, with employees desiring that coverage. Murphy said life insurance coverage was increased from $10,000 to $25,000 for employees.
The clerk's salary will be increased to bring it more in line for that position. Murphy explained that salary reflects minimal impact on the tax rate, as 34 percent is paid from tax revenue with the remainder being derived from utilities accounts. Salaries for other town employees were increased approximately 4 percent and will impact the tax rate at less than 4 percent. Murphy estimated the tax rate for 2001 to be approximately $2.985. That rate was based on 90 percent of a net assessed valuation of $14,940,294 for the town.
A public hearing concerning the request for tax abatement by Harmony Press Inc. will be held Sept. 12, beginning at 7:15 p.m., immediately preceding the regular meeting of the council.
