Griffith monitoring tax relief legislation

GRIFFITH | Griffith officials are keeping a close eye on pending legislation that could slash what residents pay on Calumet Township tax bills.

The bill, which would place significant reductions on the amount of tax levee any township in the state can charge its property owners, has passed the Indiana Senate and awaits action in the House.

Councilman Rick Ryfa, R-3, estimates Griffith's township tax bill could be reduced by as much as two-thirds.

Town officials also have asked Lake County Councilman Dan Dernulc, R-Highland, to investigate the Calumet Township assessor's budget compared to other counties.

Ryfa said the assessor's budget in Calumet Township is $951,858 with 20 employees. He said the Ross Township assessor's department has a budget of $322,510 and six employees and St. John Township's assessor staff has 11 employees and a budget of $520,620.

In the meantime, Ryfa said Griffith officials will visit Indianapolis next week to talk about the legislation.