The Monroe County Council has drafted a resolution in opposition to Senate Bill 1, also known as the property tax bill.
The bill aims to reduce property tax revenue by $1.1 billion in 2026, which is expected to have a significant impact on local county governments. Monroe County could potentially lose around $25 million in revenue.
Read more: Indiana policy makers are eye property tax reform
At Tuesday night’s meeting, county councilmember Trent Deckard said the bill would cripple local government services like police, fire and courts.
“The ones you like, the ones you hate, the ones you’re not so sure about and the ones that you adore. It’ll kill it,” said Deckard.
Councilmember Marty Hawk said the council should focus its efforts on working alongside Republican State Senator Travis Holdman, who authored Senate Bill 1.
“There’s a difference between suggestions and finding fault,” said Hawk. “If you want something from somebody, you don’t go after them. You want to make sure you’re a part of the solution.”
Holdman has acknowledged the bill will impact local services and said legislators are trying to find a compromise.
The Monroe County Council and council attorneys will flesh out the resolution with specific details on how state legislators and the public can also show opposition.
The county council is scheduled to vote on the resolution at its next regular meeting in February.