Fort Wayne homeowners will not see property tax increase

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne homeowners don't have to worry about a tax increase next year.

At Tuesday's meeting, a vote of 6-3 declined Mayor Tom Herny's request for a 2.8 percent increase in property taxes, which is the state's cap for property taxes next year.

Council member John Shoaff voted for the increase.

"The difference was minor. For a $100,000 homeowner, it would have cost an additional $10 a year if we have allowed the increase," he said.

Council member Russ Jehl was one of the three members to vote against the raise. He said there were certain factors he considered that made his decision easy.

"Property values have not dramatically increased," Jehl said. "In fact, they've been flat, we actually expect the assessed value when it's all tabulated, to be down slightly. So, property owners simply can't afford to pay more."

Council members started to working to find ways to fund the 2013 city budget. Jehl said the council made $1.1 million in cuts. Shoaff said the council also decided to dip into the city's savings. They both said by 2014, homeowners might see an increase in their property taxes.

"Starting in 2014 and on, we're gonna have to be very, very disciplined to pay our bills," said Council member John Shoaff.

The city council will make their final vote on the 2013 budget on Tuesday.