Schererville council adopts resolution opposing proposed state property-tax cuts after firefighter appeal; vote 3-1

The Schererville Town Council adopted Resolution 2025-3 on Wednesday, a measure to oppose proposed state reductions in municipal property-tax revenue and to request a comprehensive replacement mechanism if cuts occur. The resolution passed by a 3-1 vote.

Colin Zagvik, secretary of the Cherryville Firefighters Union Local 4279, urged the council to oppose the pending state measure and warned of operational impacts if local revenues fall. "A cut in funding of any kind would significantly impact our ability to continue providing quality services to the residents of this town," Zagvik said during public comment, and he asked the council "to vote to oppose this bill and send a resolution down to state." Kevin Dean, a resident, also questioned the town's budget and urged officials to review costs.

Town Manager Jim Gorman summarized the resolution as a response to the state proposal to reduce property taxes and the potential for reduced municipal revenue that could force cuts across town operations. After discussion on the council floor, Councilman Tom Schmidt moved to approve Resolution 2025-3 and the motion was seconded. One council member spoke in favor of the state's approach, saying the legislative proposal would shift responsibility to local governments and allow residents to decide on local funding through public hearings; that member voted against the resolution.

The record shows the resolution passed with three votes in favor and one opposed. The resolution will be forwarded to state legislators, as requested by the council. The measure does not itself alter local tax rates; it is a statement of the council's position at the state level.

Councilmembers framed the vote as a choice between preserving municipal services and evaluating local budget priorities. The council did not adopt any specific local tax changes at the meeting; members who favored the state proposal encouraged internal budget review and use of local public hearings should local revenue be raised to replace any lost state funding.