Counties across the state can still implement an optional income tax, to make up for revenue that could be lost with property tax caps.
The Grant County Council was presented with the option last fall. Council President Mike Scott said, at the time, they decided not to act on it because the majority of residents would have had to pay more if the shift in taxes happened.
He said, however, that the option could be considered again.
Commissioner Mark Bardsley said last week that the way legislation is going now local governments are going to have to either enforce new taxes or cut services to make up for the cuts in revenue.
If a county option income tax is put in place, it would increase revenue for both the county and cities. Rep. P. Eric Turner, R-Marion, said lawmakers have been hearing loud and clear that municipalities want to be able to make that decision if counties decide not to.
"They made a strong point that cities should also be given that opportunity," Turner said.
Marion Mayor Wayne Seybold said he agrees that if the county does not opt into an additional income tax, cities should be able to opt into one.
"If the county says no, I think the city should have the ability to say yes or no themselves," he said.
House Speaker Pat Bauer, D-South Bend, said Thursday that lawmakers should create a way to protect police and fire budgets from cuts forced by property tax caps. He said that while counties can make an optional income tax, "the cities are afraid the counties won't do it."