News release from the Allen County Board of Commissioners:
County Legislative Priorities Outlined to Lawmakers
Criminal sentencing reform funding, septic system issues among initiatives discussed(December 10, 2013) — Allen County government this evening presented its legislative priorities and platform for the 2014 session of the Indiana General Assembly to area lawmakers.
The priorities were developed by the Board of Commissioners and Governmental Affairs Director Beth Lock following discussions with County Council members and other County elected officials. At tonight’s presentation, County officials highlighted these major issues they would like to have addressed when lawmakers gather in Indianapolis next year.
Criminal Sentencing Reform Funding
A new statewide sentencing structure for felony offenders is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2014. The restructuring could cause a potential shift of non-violent felony inmates from the state correctional facilities to county correctional facilities, placing an unfunded burden on local units. Allen County is pursuing proportionate revenue to be returned to counties for those offenders who are to remain housed at the local level, including funds to offset or fully compensate for jail costs, community corrections programs and problem solving courts.Health & Septic Enforcement
Allen County and its Board of Health oppose any legislation that would exempt septic systems from being compliant with state health codes. In addition, the County is asking for legislation clarifying that the Indiana Building Code’s “Log Cabin Rule” does not apply to septic systems. The clarification is expected to provide a safer and cleaner environment and allow for consistent enforcement by health departments.Recorder Perpetuation Fund
Allen County is asking that current state law be amended to give county recorders the option to self-fund their offices, including paying employee salaries, through the recorder perpetuation fund. The self-funding provision would only be triggered if a minimum threshold was met in the perpetuation fund and would be at the discretion of each County Recorder.
Other Initiatives
Allen County opposes:
- elimination of the cable franchise fees, which would impact the county’s budget by more than $200,000;
- elimination of the personal property tax, which would result in a $20 million revenue loss for Allen County while shifting the burden of the levy to other property tax classifications;
- creation of a state license for contractors that would supersede the authority of the existing county building departments.
Allen County supports:
- amending the Indiana Code for a more appropriate tax billing timeline;
- allowing local units of government to deposit and invest county tax pay dollars in federally owned credit unions;
- a resolution naming a portion of the new US 24 in eastern Allen County in honor of State Representative Phyllis Pond of New Haven, who died earlier this year.
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