Shaffer questions claims of local revenue drops due to property tax relief

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Dear Editor:

When the state cut property taxes, many of us were grateful for a break – up to $300 per taxpayer.

In Carmel, however, the mayor and school board warned of average $15 million and $12 million per year shortfalls in revenue, respectively.

This seems odd when compared to what those entities reported as property tax revenues in their last four annual financial reports to the state.

Carmel reported an average of $45 million per year and the schools, $24 million.

What public officials claim then, is a one-third drop ($15 million of $45 million) in the case of the city, and the schools, one-half ($12 million of $24 million).

This is absurd on its face.

But in Carmel it’s crisis as usual where total debt is $1.6 billion for the city and $350 million for the school system.

Bill Shaffer
Carmel