In a recent city council meeting, discussions centered around a proposed ordinance to implement a wheel tax aimed at generating approximately $400,000 annually for road maintenance. Mayor Angie has advocated for this tax, noting that many municipalities in northwest Indiana have successfully adopted similar measures since 2017, resulting in significant funding for infrastructure improvements. Councilman Tim Beatri emphasized the urgency of this initiative, highlighting that the city has lost around $2.5 million in road funding over the past several years due to the absence of such a tax.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a mix of support and concern regarding the financial management of city funds. Tommy Kalavi, a local resident, expressed agreement with the mayor's approach and pointed out the historical reluctance of previous administrations to impose necessary taxes. He also raised concerns about the city's financial oversight, noting that the city has overspent its budget by over $10 million since 2015.

Scott Mellon echoed these sentiments, questioning the accountability of past councils for the financial discrepancies and the lack of penalties for overspending. He urged the council to clarify the implications of repealing existing ordinances that have not been adhered to, emphasizing the need for responsible fiscal management.

Council members responded by clarifying that the financial issues stemmed from declining revenues, particularly from the riverboat gaming tax, rather than misappropriation of funds. They acknowledged that projections had not accurately reflected the decrease in income, leading to unsustainable spending practices. The council emphasized the importance of adjusting future budgets to align with actual revenue.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the ordinance in a subsequent session, as council members and the mayor seek to establish a more sustainable financial framework for the city. The discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges of municipal budgeting and the need for transparency and accountability in managing public funds.