SULLIVAN, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – As Indiana state lawmakers move closer to passing a property tax relief bill, a local mayor says he is following it closely.
The Indiana House on Thursday passed an amended version of Senate Bill 1, which now goes back to the Senate for further consideration. According to our Indianapolis sister station WXIN, House Republicans say the amended bill will save homeowners $1.4 billion in property taxes over the next three years.
As we’ve previously reported, some communities have raised concerns about what reduced property taxes could mean for schools, police, and fire departments because property taxes help pay for those services. Sullivan Mayor JD Wilson said if the bill is passed and signed into law, the city expects to lose some revenue, although the amount is unclear at this time.
He said property tax revenue goes to the city’s general fund and says 80% of public safety comes from the general fund. Wilson added that while the impact is uncertain, the Sullivan Police Department will continue to serve and protect the community.
“Public safety is the number one thing in a community that a mayor wants to provide to his citizens and I can ensure the citizens they will be as safe as they are today, tomorrow and into the future, as they were last night, last week, last month,” said Wilson.
He said the city will work closely with county government on funding solutions.
