City Council OKs Smaller Income Tax Increase
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe Fort Wayne City Council has approved a lower-than-proposed income tax increase to fund the large-scale riverfront redevelopment project. Our partners at WPTA21 report the rate increase will be .13 percent instead of the .15 percent first brought to the council last month. The funds would also go toward sidewalk and alley improvements in city neighborhoods and to shore-up river banks.
Proceeds from the .15 percent increase were estimated to total nearly $120 million. WPTA21 reports an amendment was added by council to prohibit the funds from going toward a proposed event center or arena in the city’s downtown.
In a statement following Tuesday night’s vote, Mayor Tom Henry, a supporter of the increase said:
Tonight’s vote by a majority of City Council members to adjust the local income tax to fund future phases of riverfront development and invest in neighborhood sidewalks and alleys is a win for our entire community.
It’s a next step to help ensure we continue to experience momentum with a thriving downtown, strong neighborhoods and a positive business climate with job growth and expansion projects as a point of destination city.
I applaud Councilmen Crawford, Didier, Freistroffer, Hines, Paddock and Barranda for demonstrating leadership in supporting a plan that will enhance our ability to move Fort Wayne forward in the right direction.