Property tax reform in Indiana must not come at the expense of local government
Republican Senator Mike Braun of Indiana is running for governor in 2024
2024 gubernatorial candidate Sen. Mike Braun (R-IN) says his experience in business and legislation will help him govern, but Indiana citizens will set the agenda.
For 20 years, Republicans have led our state well. We have built roads and bridges, made our neighborhoods safe, and protected the right to life. As a party of purpose, we have consistently worked to ensure that every Indiana resident can achieve the American dream.
As we look to Indiana’s next chapter, there are several issues that need reform, including property taxes. It’s a critical conversation that offers the opportunity to simultaneously ease the burden on property owners, revitalize the free market, and provide communities of all sizes with the resources they need to thrive – if done right.
Hiccup: People prefer to live where property taxes are high
Unlike the federal government’s reckless spending priorities, communities like Noblesville are subject to strict fiscal discipline. We first set aside a portion of our annual revenue for our emergency fund to ensure we are prepared for unforeseen challenges. Next, we dedicate 51% of our budget to public safety, knowing that safe communities are the foundation of thriving cities. Only then do we allocate the remaining funds to other important initiatives, such as the long-awaited Pleasant Street expansion. These expensive items are important investments in the growth, safety, and long-term prosperity of our city.
But it’s not just major projects that shape our community. Smaller initiatives also bring long-term benefits. This year we provided $200,000 to rehabilitate a downtown brick street and $290,000 to repair sidewalks. While these are certainly large sums for any family or business, they are a drop in the bucket for a city of 77,000 residents whose homes are built along 310 miles of streets in a community that covers a total of 35 square miles.
The truth is that Noblesville, like any community in Indiana, competes in a market. But we’re not just competing with neighboring cities; we’re also competing with Dublin, Ohio; Franklin, Tennessee; and Davidson, North Carolina. In a hybrid work environment where more and more people have choices about where they want to live, we need to make sure Indiana is the first choice – not just for its favorable tax climate, but also for its vibrant and safe communities.
I am concerned that some reform proposals, while ambitious, risk preventing communities from investing sufficiently in public safety and infrastructure improvements in the future.
One idea is to flatten and reduce the process altogether – a potential threat to small communities that rely on consistent revenue for their essential services and infrastructure.
Another program caps the income of certain groups of Indiana residents. While I am all for discussing reform and would personally benefit from both programs, I am not sure either is the best way to ensure our communities remain vibrant and the tax burden is reduced.
Real reform requires difficult conversations between local officials and the politicians in Parliament. It requires a critical examination of our priorities as a community and as a state. It requires greater citizen engagement, with citizens actively participating in local government decisions and budget discussions.
There really needs to be tax reform. But it needs to be thoughtful and focused on strengthening communities – not just quick fixes that shine in campaign brochures.
As Republicans, we have an opportunity to craft a solution that reflects our values of fiscal responsibility, local empowerment, and community investment. Let’s seize this moment to strengthen Indiana’s position as a beacon of conservative governance and economic vitality – for all.
Aaron Smith is a member of the Noblesville City Council and served as its President in 2023.
