Councilmen upset city wants to raise taxes

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Some Fort Wayne city councilmen are concerned and said the city wants to raise taxes. These city councilmen also said they've been pressured by the city to raise taxes. It's something they don't feel comfortable with considering our current economy.

"What has been presented to us are 10 basic solutions, and nine out of the 10 are tax increases," Fort Wayne City Councilman Russ Jehl said.

It's something several Republican city councilmen do not want to do - raise taxes.

"The issue has been our local government needs more money so let's go raise taxes. The question that isn't being asked is one can our citizens pay more? I don't think they can. And two, is it the right time to do it? And no it's not during these economic times."

Although the budget for next year hasn't been unveiled yet, Councilman Mitch Harper said the Mayor's office has already told them it would like to increase property taxes.

"The city administration has told us largely that the numbers (in the budget) will include an increase in property tax levy," Fort Wayne City Councilman Mitch Harper said.

But Councilmen Harper, Russ Jehl and John Crawford say there's money elsewhere the city can use instead of making taxpayers fork out more money.

There's nearly $113 million dollars available in funds for the city. The councilmen would like to see the Mayor use the Legacy Funds or another cash balance that's available. The spokesperson for the city said increasing taxes hasn't been discussed yet.

"At this point it would be premature to talk about what specific details would be in the budget. I do know that the Mayor and staff are looking forward to having a positive dialogue with City Council to determine ways that we can work together to move the community forward in the best way possible," city spokesperson John Perlich said.

The Mayor will present the 2013 budget to City Council later this month.