HOBART | City Council President David Vinzant is resolved to unite other communities in a request to ask county officials to approve the 1 percent personal income tax.
"I'm hoping to talk more formally to communities later this month. After the election we will get started again ... I feel at some point someone on the county will pick up the ball," Vinzant said.
Vinzant said he has spoken to Gary officials and they were responsive.
"They are in the process of working on a resolution, but nothing has been presented," Vinzant said.
Gary City Council President Kyle Allen agreed.
"More than likely after the election is over we'll pass a resolution. Tax relief and public safety are the only areas I would see myself supporting," Allen said.
Last month, the town of New Chicago approved a resolution seeking adoption of a local option income tax. Hobart and Merrillville have approved similar resolutions.
"We have to do something. We can't just sit back and let the tax freeze continue," Vinzant said.
Vinzant said he attended the New Chicago Town Council meeting and spoke briefly to members prior to their vote.
New Chicago Councilwoman Sue Pelfrey, D-4th, said she's sold on the idea that communities, especially those as small as hers, need to take action.
"How do you survive in a little town like ours when there's nothing else to cut?" Pelfrey asked.
The New Chicago Town Council's resolution asks county officials to approve a 0.25 percent tax to pay for public safety projects and a 0.25 percent tax to pay for countywide capital projects.
"The state allows several optional income taxes to reduce property taxes. Every other county, including Porter County, has passed something," Vinzant said.
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