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From the Kokomo Tribune:
After two hours listening to opponents and proponents, the Tipton County Council voted 4-1 to approve a 10-year tax abatement for the Prairie Breeze Wind Farm.
With the approval for juwi Wind, the next hurdle to be cleared before construction can start is a conditional use permit, which must be approved by the Tipton County Board of Zoning Appeals.
...
The company requested a 10-year tax abatement for the construction of between 31 and 94 wind turbines in Prairie Township and the western portion of Liberty Township.
Development of the project is contingent on the federal government extending a wind energy tax credit, which is scheduled to expire on Dec. 31.
...
The company will invest between $100 million and $300 million and pay $7.2 million in taxes under the 10-year tax abatement. Heck said the company will provide the county between $700,000 and $1.8 million in economic development funds over the first four years of the project.
Tri-Central would receive $3.1 million in the Capital Projects Fund over the life of the project, which is expected to remain in operation for 20 years.
“Most wind projects don’t get to this stage,” Heck said. “There is a longer development timeline. We have been working in Tipton County since 2009.”
http://kokomotribune.com/local/x1485884864/Wind-farm-tax-abatement-OK-d
20 Aralık 2012 Perşembe
Elkhart Approves New Fees to Bolster Sagging Budget
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From the Elkhart Truth:
Want to hang a banner over Main Street or close a street for a party? Or use water at an event on the city’s downtown plaza?
Beginning in January, it will cost you.
In May, Mayor Dick Moore warned that officials would look at new fees in the midst of the on-going budget crunch.
On Tuesday, the board of public works approved a series of new fees Tuesday morning.
It marks the first of what could be two rounds of new fees as city leaders cope with less than expected tax revenues in recent years as a result of state-mandated tax caps.
The changes include: $25 for street closures, $50 for water use on the downtown plaza, $25 for revocable permits such as requests to do work in a public right of way, $50 for emergency management at an event, $95 for a bridge banner, $175 for a Main Street banner and $85 for a banner spanning the Benham Avenue Bridge.
...
City officials are studying other fees that Moore will likely consider after the first of the year. Those include adjusting the existing fee for building permits, a surcharge for moving violations such as speeding; a new fee for inspections police do involving wrecked or damaged vehicles and a booking fee for anyone held at the city jail.
Moore also sought to establish a trash fee ordinance earlier this year, but that was rejected by city council in a 5-4 vote.
The mayor and city council then agreed to cut the 2013 budget by $1.9 million. The mayor vetoed another effort by some council members to cut another $429,000.
...
http://www.etruth.com/article/20121219/NEWS01/712199957&source=RSS
Want to hang a banner over Main Street or close a street for a party? Or use water at an event on the city’s downtown plaza?
Beginning in January, it will cost you.
In May, Mayor Dick Moore warned that officials would look at new fees in the midst of the on-going budget crunch.
On Tuesday, the board of public works approved a series of new fees Tuesday morning.
It marks the first of what could be two rounds of new fees as city leaders cope with less than expected tax revenues in recent years as a result of state-mandated tax caps.
The changes include: $25 for street closures, $50 for water use on the downtown plaza, $25 for revocable permits such as requests to do work in a public right of way, $50 for emergency management at an event, $95 for a bridge banner, $175 for a Main Street banner and $85 for a banner spanning the Benham Avenue Bridge.
...
City officials are studying other fees that Moore will likely consider after the first of the year. Those include adjusting the existing fee for building permits, a surcharge for moving violations such as speeding; a new fee for inspections police do involving wrecked or damaged vehicles and a booking fee for anyone held at the city jail.
Moore also sought to establish a trash fee ordinance earlier this year, but that was rejected by city council in a 5-4 vote.
The mayor and city council then agreed to cut the 2013 budget by $1.9 million. The mayor vetoed another effort by some council members to cut another $429,000.
...
http://www.etruth.com/article/20121219/NEWS01/712199957&source=RSS
Filing Deadline Approaches to File for New Real Estate Tax Deductions
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From the Elkhart Truth:
The filing deadline is coming up for new real estate tax deductions.
New applications must be completed and dated by Dec. 31 and filed with the Elkhart County Auditor’s Office on or before Jan. 5. Only new deduction or refinanced mortgage applications need to be filed. Taxpayers who have not made changes to their status do not need to refile.
Deduction categories include homestead, mortgage, over 65, over 65 circuit breaker, disability, blind and disabled veterans. Taxpayers filing for deductions on annually assessed mobile homes have until March 31 to file.
For details on eligibility requirements or to download an application form visit www.elkhartcountyindiana.com or www.in.gov/dlgf. Call the auditor’s office at 535-6710 or 535-6720 for any other questions.
http://www.etruth.com/article/20121219/NEWS01/712199959
The filing deadline is coming up for new real estate tax deductions.
New applications must be completed and dated by Dec. 31 and filed with the Elkhart County Auditor’s Office on or before Jan. 5. Only new deduction or refinanced mortgage applications need to be filed. Taxpayers who have not made changes to their status do not need to refile.
Deduction categories include homestead, mortgage, over 65, over 65 circuit breaker, disability, blind and disabled veterans. Taxpayers filing for deductions on annually assessed mobile homes have until March 31 to file.
For details on eligibility requirements or to download an application form visit www.elkhartcountyindiana.com or www.in.gov/dlgf. Call the auditor’s office at 535-6710 or 535-6720 for any other questions.
http://www.etruth.com/article/20121219/NEWS01/712199959
Hoosier Energy Seeks Abatement for New Office in Bloomington
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From the Bloomington Herald-Times:
Hoosier Energy is interested in relocating its corporate offices from north of Bloomington to the south side at Tapp Road and Ind. 37. The electric generation and transmission cooperative will go before the Bloomington Economic Development Commission
on Friday to seek approval for tax abatement on the estimated $20 million project. Abatement allows increased property tax liability resulting from new development to be phased in over a period of years.
Utility spokesman Chris Tryba said the Hoosier Energy board has not yet approved the project, which he said is contingent upon the tax abatement and the vacation of South Tech Park Boulevard. The Bloomington City Council would have the final vote on both issues. Tryba said the proposal calls for construction of a three-story, 80,000-square-foot building on approximately 13.5 acres now owned by the Public Investment Corp. of Bloomington at the northeast corner of the intersection of Ind. 37 and Tapp Road. According to information provided to the EDC, the site includes eight lots in the Mill Creek subdivision on the north side of Tapp Road. New property taxes on the site would be phased in over a period of 10 years, according to the company’s application to the EDC. In a memo supporting the application, city staff noted that the project would retain 116 jobs in Monroe County that pay an average hourly wage of $46.08, plus benefits. ...
http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2012/12/19/business.hoosier-energy-seeks-tax-break-for-new-offices.sto
Hoosier Energy is interested in relocating its corporate offices from north of Bloomington to the south side at Tapp Road and Ind. 37. The electric generation and transmission cooperative will go before the Bloomington Economic Development Commission
on Friday to seek approval for tax abatement on the estimated $20 million project. Abatement allows increased property tax liability resulting from new development to be phased in over a period of years. Utility spokesman Chris Tryba said the Hoosier Energy board has not yet approved the project, which he said is contingent upon the tax abatement and the vacation of South Tech Park Boulevard. The Bloomington City Council would have the final vote on both issues. Tryba said the proposal calls for construction of a three-story, 80,000-square-foot building on approximately 13.5 acres now owned by the Public Investment
Corp. of Bloomington at the northeast corner of the intersection of Ind. 37 and Tapp Road. According to information provided to the EDC, the site includes eight lots in the Mill Creek subdivision on the north side of Tapp Road. New property taxes on the site would be phased in over a period of 10 years, according to the company’s application to the EDC. In a memo supporting the application, city staff noted that the project would retain 116 jobs in Monroe County that pay an average hourly wage of $46.08, plus benefits. ... http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/stories/2012/12/19/business.hoosier-energy-seeks-tax-break-for-new-offices.sto
Marion County Assessments Mailed Resulting in Higher Values for Many
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From the Indianapolis Star:
Marion County property assessment notices are hitting mailboxes this week, and most homeowners will notice changes that could affect their property tax bills next year.
Values assigned in this year’s reassessment — the first wholesale reappraisal of property values in a decade — will be used to calculate tax bills that go out in the spring. Assessor Joe O’Connor says he anticipates thousands of homeowners will file appeals by the Jan. 28 deadline, adding to a backlog.
Of 312,113 residential properties appraised, the values assigned to 52 percent increased, while 43 percent decreased, according to summary data provided by the assessor’s office. Among properties whose assessments increased, three in 10 saw jumps of greater than 10 percent, while most increased modestly.
Brad Cleveland was among those planning appeals Tuesday.
“It went up $35,000,” Cleveland said about his Eastside home’s assessed value. “I think that’s way too high.” While his home was assessed at nearly $150,000, he pointed out that neighbors’ homes recently had sold for $40,000 and $50,000.
Assessments influence how much an owner will pay in property taxes after deductions, credits and the local tax rate are applied. Indiana’s property tax caps protect homeowners from paying more than 1 percent of their home’s assessed value in taxes, meaning a change in assessed value also changes the capped amount in taxes.
...
Many homeowners who challenge their assessment will face the prospect of a longer appeal. O’Connor says his goal is for the office to begin reviewing each new appeal within 12 months. However, the office is considering some appeals from 2008 only now as it tackles a backlog nearing 30,000 — a figure that has fluctuated, and which is expected to increase with the new assessments.
Overall, Washington Township homeowners are experiencing the greatest sticker shock, with nearly 28 percent of homes’ assessed values increasing by greater than 10 percent. Warren and Center townships also had a disproportionate share of large increases.
But those three townships would have experienced even greater assessment increases if O’Connor’s office had not caught an error affecting calculations for 6,370 homes in those areas.
...
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012121218031
Marion County property assessment notices are hitting mailboxes this week, and most homeowners will notice changes that could affect their property tax bills next year.
Values assigned in this year’s reassessment — the first wholesale reappraisal of property values in a decade — will be used to calculate tax bills that go out in the spring. Assessor Joe O’Connor says he anticipates thousands of homeowners will file appeals by the Jan. 28 deadline, adding to a backlog.
Of 312,113 residential properties appraised, the values assigned to 52 percent increased, while 43 percent decreased, according to summary data provided by the assessor’s office. Among properties whose assessments increased, three in 10 saw jumps of greater than 10 percent, while most increased modestly.
Brad Cleveland was among those planning appeals Tuesday.
“It went up $35,000,” Cleveland said about his Eastside home’s assessed value. “I think that’s way too high.” While his home was assessed at nearly $150,000, he pointed out that neighbors’ homes recently had sold for $40,000 and $50,000.
Assessments influence how much an owner will pay in property taxes after deductions, credits and the local tax rate are applied. Indiana’s property tax caps protect homeowners from paying more than 1 percent of their home’s assessed value in taxes, meaning a change in assessed value also changes the capped amount in taxes.
...
Many homeowners who challenge their assessment will face the prospect of a longer appeal. O’Connor says his goal is for the office to begin reviewing each new appeal within 12 months. However, the office is considering some appeals from 2008 only now as it tackles a backlog nearing 30,000 — a figure that has fluctuated, and which is expected to increase with the new assessments.
Overall, Washington Township homeowners are experiencing the greatest sticker shock, with nearly 28 percent of homes’ assessed values increasing by greater than 10 percent. Warren and Center townships also had a disproportionate share of large increases.
But those three townships would have experienced even greater assessment increases if O’Connor’s office had not caught an error affecting calculations for 6,370 homes in those areas.
...
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2012121218031
16 Aralık 2012 Pazar
Practice Giving: It's Good for Your Health
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By Ashlei Jackson, Qlixite
The definition of “charity” is the practice of benevolent giving, giving without payment or expectation of a direct return. In light of the efforts being made all around the world to help the people of Haiti, the word charity is everywhere. We often find ourselves helpless or listing reasons why we have nothing to give. However, the act of giving to others is actually healthy for you and it is the one thing you can do that will always benefit you and the ones you love. Best of all you don’t need to put a monetary value to your charity. Small acts of giving go a long way. Since the definition said that we should “practice” charity...and we all resolved to get healthier in 2010...let’s start!
Cultivate Your Mind: You will need to set aside time for yourself on a regular basis. By taking time out of every day to focus on your own needs, you will be more prepared and able to give more to others. In order to continue learning and entertain your brain on a daily basis, you should make a list of all the things you would like learn more about. Sit down and list it all at once or gradually add to the lis throughout the year. Either way, you can continue checking off items on the list as you complete them and it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Ideas: Read one book a month. Schedule time for conversations with your spouse or friend on a current topics. Help your kids with their homework...even that subject you despise. Or better yet ask them about what they learned that day. You’ll connect and possibly learn something new.
Stretch Your Body: One of the best ways to spend the time you have set aside for yourself is to improve your physical health through exercise. You don’t need to do strenuous exercise every day, but you should stretch and get your heart rate moving. This will help reduce stress, keep your body in good shape and even help you sleep better at night. Ideas: Take a walk outside, the view is better than on the treadmill. Take a yoga or couples dance class. Stop at points during your day and just take 5-10 deep breaths. Use the stairs or park in the farthest point of the lot. The more you move, the better you’ll feel.
Give of Your Soul: The most rewarding way to work on your overall health and happiness is to do things that are good for your soul. These are the types of activities that require you set aside time to focus on and give to others - but remember; giving is healthy for you too. It helps you grow your relationships with others, feel fulfilled and show how much you care. One of the easiest ways to give to others is to spend time with them. It often doesn’t cost anything but it can be more rewarding and appreciated than anything you do. And the receivers can be anyone from your kids or parents to the homeless and needy. Ideas: Volunteer. This is a broad concept. Get involved with local organizations and share your ideas. You have skills that can help people around you. Organize a family reunion or special event that brings people together. Get involved with a Church or Spiritual group. Foster a pet. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5, 50 or 85 years old, you always have something to give. Let your mind wander on how you can help others and the opportunities will appear.
Expand your Heart: Mother Theresa is quoted saying “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” We’re always too busy or too broke to do things on a grand scale so keep it small. Expand the amount of love you have for the people in your life and your problems will seem smaller and less tragic. Ideas: Write a small note to each of the people you work with telling them how much you appreciate them. Look people in the eye and thank them. Smiles are contagious (apparently so are butterfly stickers in this town) so spread them. Valentines Day is coming so follow the youth example and buy a silly box of valentines for everyone you know.
There is a reason the definition of charity is the “practice” of giving versus the “act” of giving. It was Aristotle who said, “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
The definition of “charity” is the practice of benevolent giving, giving without payment or expectation of a direct return. In light of the efforts being made all around the world to help the people of Haiti, the word charity is everywhere. We often find ourselves helpless or listing reasons why we have nothing to give. However, the act of giving to others is actually healthy for you and it is the one thing you can do that will always benefit you and the ones you love. Best of all you don’t need to put a monetary value to your charity. Small acts of giving go a long way. Since the definition said that we should “practice” charity...and we all resolved to get healthier in 2010...let’s start! Cultivate Your Mind: You will need to set aside time for yourself on a regular basis. By taking time out of every day to focus on your own needs, you will be more prepared and able to give more to others. In order to continue learning and entertain your brain on a daily basis, you should make a list of all the things you would like learn more about. Sit down and list it all at once or gradually add to the lis throughout the year. Either way, you can continue checking off items on the list as you complete them and it will give you a sense of accomplishment. Ideas: Read one book a month. Schedule time for conversations with your spouse or friend on a current topics. Help your kids with their homework...even that subject you despise. Or better yet ask them about what they learned that day. You’ll connect and possibly learn something new.
Stretch Your Body: One of the best ways to spend the time you have set aside for yourself is to improve your physical health through exercise. You don’t need to do strenuous exercise every day, but you should stretch and get your heart rate moving. This will help reduce stress, keep your body in good shape and even help you sleep better at night. Ideas: Take a walk outside, the view is better than on the treadmill. Take a yoga or couples dance class. Stop at points during your day and just take 5-10 deep breaths. Use the stairs or park in the farthest point of the lot. The more you move, the better you’ll feel.
Give of Your Soul: The most rewarding way to work on your overall health and happiness is to do things that are good for your soul. These are the types of activities that require you set aside time to focus on and give to others - but remember; giving is healthy for you too. It helps you grow your relationships with others, feel fulfilled and show how much you care. One of the easiest ways to give to others is to spend time with them. It often doesn’t cost anything but it can be more rewarding and appreciated than anything you do. And the receivers can be anyone from your kids or parents to the homeless and needy. Ideas: Volunteer. This is a broad concept. Get involved with local organizations and share your ideas. You have skills that can help people around you. Organize a family reunion or special event that brings people together. Get involved with a Church or Spiritual group. Foster a pet. It doesn’t matter if you’re 5, 50 or 85 years old, you always have something to give. Let your mind wander on how you can help others and the opportunities will appear.
Expand your Heart: Mother Theresa is quoted saying “We cannot do great things on this Earth, only small things with great love.” We’re always too busy or too broke to do things on a grand scale so keep it small. Expand the amount of love you have for the people in your life and your problems will seem smaller and less tragic. Ideas: Write a small note to each of the people you work with telling them how much you appreciate them. Look people in the eye and thank them. Smiles are contagious (apparently so are butterfly stickers in this town) so spread them. Valentines Day is coming so follow the youth example and buy a silly box of valentines for everyone you know.
There is a reason the definition of charity is the “practice” of giving versus the “act” of giving. It was Aristotle who said, “We are what we repeatedly do, excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.”
Sleep - It's Good For Your Health!
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By Dr. Randall Hensley, D.C., Hensley Chiropractic
Do you sleep like a baby?...awake every two hours, hungry and needing to use the bathroom? Or are you blessed with the ability to fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow, sleep all night, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go? If you are in the later group, good for you. And I mean, good for you! Sleep is very important in maintaining your health and recovering from illness. Sleep allows your body the down time it needs to replenish, rebuild, and remove stress from your systems. If you are not sleeping well consider the following recommendations for a good night's rest. Remember everyone's sleep solutions differ so finding your perfect remedy is unique to you. Try one or all of them!
In addition to the typical remedies such as avoiding caffeine, sipping chamomile tea, or counting sheep, there are many other factors that can affect your sleep quality and duration. For example having a mattress and pillow that suits your particular preference is very important. If you wake up less than “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” check your bed. As a rule of thumb if you sleep better at a hotel, your in-laws, or when camping...it's likely your bed. You should also be sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. This builds consistency in your sleep-wake cycle. This “circadian rhythm” is set by your pituitary gland deep in your brain and is triggered by light entering your eyes. Therefore, be sure to sleep in a dark room and then let bright light or better yet let sunshine greet you in the morning.
Other hints include:
Overall, once you find your “perfect” combination of bedding, environment, preparation, timing, mental attitude toward sleep, and professional help, be consistent and don't give up. Soon that biological clock will chime in rhythm with the clock on the nightstand. Sweet dreams and sleep well.
Do you sleep like a baby?...awake every two hours, hungry and needing to use the bathroom? Or are you blessed with the ability to fall asleep the minute your head hits the pillow, sleep all night, and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go? If you are in the later group, good for you. And I mean, good for you! Sleep is very important in maintaining your health and recovering from illness. Sleep allows your body the down time it needs to replenish, rebuild, and remove stress from your systems. If you are not sleeping well consider the following recommendations for a good night's rest. Remember everyone's sleep solutions differ so finding your perfect remedy is unique to you. Try one or all of them!
In addition to the typical remedies such as avoiding caffeine, sipping chamomile tea, or counting sheep, there are many other factors that can affect your sleep quality and duration. For example having a mattress and pillow that suits your particular preference is very important. If you wake up less than “bright-eyed and bushy-tailed” check your bed. As a rule of thumb if you sleep better at a hotel, your in-laws, or when camping...it's likely your bed. You should also be sure to go to bed and wake up at the same time, even on weekends. This builds consistency in your sleep-wake cycle. This “circadian rhythm” is set by your pituitary gland deep in your brain and is triggered by light entering your eyes. Therefore, be sure to sleep in a dark room and then let bright light or better yet let sunshine greet you in the morning.
Other hints include:
- making your room colder and avoiding hot baths just prior to retiring. (for some overheating the body delays sleep),
- take a daily “power nap” for 20 minutes just after lunch,
- participate in moderate exercise earlier in the day to promote physical tiredness,
- eat healthy, drink plenty of water, cut back on late night snacks such as ice cream,
- don't play video games or watch overly stimulating or stressful television (news/horror/etc),
- quit smoking, and don't drink alcohol before bed.
- use a “white-noise” machine to block out sleep-disturbing noises.
- Always try to find ways to lower your emotional stress and learn the not-so-simple act of relaxing.
- If your brain is racing, keep a paper and pen next to your bed to write down those “must-remember-to-do-tomorrow” notes or “must-not-forget-brilliant-ideas” so your subconscious brain can rest easy.
Overall, once you find your “perfect” combination of bedding, environment, preparation, timing, mental attitude toward sleep, and professional help, be consistent and don't give up. Soon that biological clock will chime in rhythm with the clock on the nightstand. Sweet dreams and sleep well.
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