BRIAN BYRNE, The Times
Clinton County Auditor Jacque Clements has calculated rough estimates of what some county residents will pay in property taxes. But she can't send out bills because she is waiting for the official figures from the state.
After six months, she is sick of waiting. Now she is ready to take action.
On Monday, Clements asked the county commissioners to support her plan to hold a face-to-face meeting with Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Clements said her message would be plain and simple.
"We need to announce that we want our rates," she said.
The contingency would ideally include county commissioners, county councilmen, school superintendents, the county attorney and herself, Clements said.
Commissioners President Mike Conner voiced his support.
"You've got my blessing," he said.
Senators Phil Boots (R-District 23) and Brandt Hershman (R-District 7) have offered assistance in organizing the conference, Clements said, as well as pledging to work for long-term tax reform.
Clements has been waiting since February to receive the county tax rates, but a budget order freeze announced by Daniels in early July has put that on hold indefinitely.
Outcries from taxpayers after a significant boost in rates in Marion County prompted Daniels to order the delay, and reassessments for several counties have been ordered across the state.
The Department of Local Government Finance has told Clements the county's budget order and rates are under review, but she said it offered no indication as to when they may be released.
Clements contends the county should be allowed to handle whatever problems may arise from the rates instead of being forced to wait for the state to muddle through the numbers of other counties.
"It's time that they let us take care of ourselves," she said. "Let local government work."
County Council President Steve Frey also expressed frustration.
"We're tired of waiting," he said, noting the significant financial strain the lack of tax revenue has put on county schools, even forcing the Clinton Prairie School Corp. to take out loans to cover expenses.
"Our schools are hurting tremendously here," Clements said.
The 2006 spring collection netted approximately $18 million. A combination of property tax replacement credit money from the state, excise tax and the early payment of property taxes has provided roughly $4.5 million to the county this year.
But, Clements said, this is nowhere near enough.
"We need to get some tax collections in here," Clements said.
Last week, Delaware County successfully boycotted a proposed reassessment, choosing instead to accept the rates it was originally given. Clements said the county has the authority to make special considerations in the case of residents who may suffer a tax hike that has potentially disastrous consequences.
The activities in Marion County have made many Clinton County residents anxious about their rates, Clements said, and she would like to be able to give them some answers.
"We need to announce that we have our rates," she said.
County Councilman Mike Beard said meeting or not, some sort of action must be taken.
"We need to do something," he said.
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