Property Taxes 20% Local Homested Credit

Wednesday, December 6, 2006

Mayor Joseph M. Stahura and the members of the City of Whiting Common Council are pleased to announce the passage of an ordinance to grant a twenty percent (20%) local homestead credit for property taxes for 2006 payable 2007. This is the second year in a row that the City has been able to offer this credit to our homeowners Stahura stated. We have tightened our collective belts in an effort to be able to offer this additional assistance to our residents who have homestead exemption on their properties. Last year, the City of Whiting was one of only two cities in the State which offered this credit to its homeowners. The credit is based on legislation shepherded by State Senator Frank Mrvan which allows a municipality to enact a local homestead credit which is then automatically applied to tax bills by the County Auditor in accordance with the terms of the ordinance. We are excited that we can once again offer this additional relief to our homeowners Council President Chris Sarvanidis stated. Whiting residents have been severely impacted by the tax reassessment and we feel it is our duty to provide whatever assistance we can to our residents. During the meeting council member Steve Spebar advised the council that the credit amounted to approximately $520,000 for 2005 taxes and that a similar figure is calculated for 2006 payable 2007. The beauty of the program is that the homeowner does not need to do any additional paperwork, fill out any forms, or have to travel to Crown Point in order to be eligible for the local homestead credit Stahura commented. The Auditor s Office provided very valuable assistance to the City last year in applying the credit properly and promptly to our qualified homeowners and the whole process was enacted smoothly Stahura further related. The credit will be twenty percent (20%) on the net tax bill which is similar to the credit enacted last year. It will apply to all properties with homestead credits, including those with only partial credits, and all eligible properties will receive the full benefit. For further information contact Council President Chris Sarvanidis at (219)688-2261.