Leaders from the City of Fort Wayne, City of New Haven, Allen County Public Library, Fort Wayne Community Schools, East Allen County Schools and Southwest Allen County Schools came together today at Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry’s office to voice concerns about a proposal that could negatively affect services provided to the public and schools and increase taxes for some homeowners.

A resolution has been introduced at City Council that would eliminate the business personal property tax on new business equipment. The resolution is scheduled to be discussed at City Council meetings on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 with public comment at both meetings.

The plan could save select businesses from paying certain taxes, which would shift the tax burden to local governments, schools, and homeowners. Taxes collected on business personal property total over $51 million per year countywide to help fund police and fire protection, neighborhood infrastructure improvements, enhancements to parks and assist school systems to educate children, provide bus transportation, and other important education initiatives.