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MENTONE - Roy Swartz won't get a tax abatement for his duplexes in Mentone after all.
Monday, at the Mentone town council's year-end meeting, councilman Mark Hughes said Swartz "does not qualify" for a tax abatement under state law and under the town's ordinances.
Under Indiana Code 6-1.1-12.1-3E11A, the only way a "residential structure can qualify is if the facility is a multi-family facility that contains at least 20 percent of the units available for use by low- and moderate-income individuals."
Town ordinances don't allow for a residential abatement, and Hughes said there is no place in town that currently would qualify for a residential abatement.
Harrison Township Trustee/Assessor Jim Moyer said he was at the meeting to see what the council would decide because he had other inquiries into residential abatements if the council approved Swartz's request. Hughes said they also had other inquiries.
At the Dec. 6 meeting, Swartz requested the tax abatement for the two duplexes he was proposing to build at Morgan and High streets. The town council approved his request, if the duplexes qualified for an abatement, for a five-year period.
Hughes also announced Dick Webb submitted his letter of resignation as the town building inspector effective Monday.
The council decided not to take any action on the resignation and Hughes will talk to Webb by the next council meeting about his resignation.
In other business, the council:
• Approved for the police department to purchase a 2005 F-150 four-door pickup truck for a cost not to exceed $27,168, including a topper and decals.
• Announced anyone interested in serving on the various town boards should contact a board member or clerk-treasurer Barbara Ross.
• Approved to hold their January meeting on Jan. 10 instead of Jan. 3 due to the New Year's Day holiday.
• Renamed Hughes as the council president for 2005.
Members of the town council are Hughes, Jack Simpson and Tim Croy. Their regular meetings are at 7 p.m. in the town hall on the first Monday of every month.
