Library Board Asks For HB 1001 Help

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Phil Hinkle

Photo by Jay Thompson

(posted Mar 5)

State Representative Phil Hinkle made no promises that he could insert language into the 800 pages of HB 1001 to exclude the Speedway Public Library budget's from the City County Council's approval. Writing down the request, Hinkle said he would take the message to the state house to see what he could do.

Hinkle met with the library board members to update them on current pending legislative issues and to hear their concerns at the March 5 meeting. At last month's board meeting, they thought it would be wise to talk with the City County councilors and state legislators about issues that could further erode its autonomy from Indianapolis.

Board member Jaime Dillard explained that it does not make sense for the library to be required to have the city county council approval when they have "no clue" about Speedway library or budget. The library board's budget is currently approved by the town council.

Hinkle said HB 1001 has reached a compromise that will allow local governments to seek a voter referendum to exceed binding tax caps of one percent for homeowners, two percent income rental and three percent for industry. The caps would mean millions of dollars lost for entities like Indianapolis Public Schools.

"Cities and towns are screaming bloody murder that they are being crucified on a cross of bloated budgets," Hinkle said, but the 2007 voter message was "quit raising my taxes and cut spending."

Hinkle made it clear that he will not vote for the bill that increases sales tax without property tax caps. He said this has been going on since 1934 when other taxes were created to offset the lowering of property taxes. It only provides a temporary relief to taxpayers until the property taxes are increased again and the other taxes are never eliminated.

Hinkle also assured the board members that the Kernan-Shepherd Report recommending consolidation would not be addressed this year. He said the proposed consolidation plan is just as unpopular in the rural areas as in Speedway. Hinkle vowed to fight to protect Speedway from consolidation by saying "over my dead body."

Hinkle also discussed other issues. He concluded that Indianapolis hurt itself with its negotiations with Colts owner Jim Irsay about building the new stadium. Hinkle made it clear he supports the Colts, but said at a certain point there is a diminishing rate of return. Hinkle estimates by the time the stadium is completed, and covering the cost of penalties and concessions, it will be about a $1 billion package for the Colts.

City County Councilor Bob Lutz, who also serves as the library's attorney, opposes the issue to pay the $10 million to $15 million new stadium maintenance fee plus the $48 million penalty for breaking the contract for them to play at the RCA Dome for another three years. In addition, Irsay receives half of the concession fees for non-football events plus the loss of the concessions from the RCA Dome.