Mishawaka council faces backlash over unchanged tax abatement proposal during heated meeting

The St. Joseph County Council held a public hearing on December 10, 2024, to discuss a proposed tax abatement bill. The meeting began with a call for supporters of the bill to speak, but no additional proponents were present. The council then opened the floor to those opposing the bill.

Tom Roe, a resident of Lake Lane, expressed his concerns regarding the lack of clarity in the vetting process for assessments related to the bill. He acknowledged the efforts of Councilman Schoetzle in seeking answers but felt that the responses provided were insufficient. Roe emphasized the need for reasonable changes that would be understood by the business community, stating that he was open to modifications if they were significant.

Ben Dallas, a resident of Crescent Street in Mishawaka, voiced his disappointment with the proposed abatement, labeling it as unchanged from a previous proposal discussed nine months prior. He criticized the council for not adequately addressing the needs of local workers, particularly union members, and expressed frustration over what he perceived as a repetitive and ineffective approach to the tax abatement.

The meeting highlighted a divide among council members and constituents regarding the proposed tax abatement, with calls for more substantial changes and a focus on local workforce interests. The council will need to consider these perspectives as they move forward with the decision-making process.