Most of the discussion surrounding the county tax shortfall has been centered on recovery of lost revenue. It is time to look at cutting government services back significantly. We must find a sustainable level of spending to match probable revenue.

Porter County has been grossly underfunded forever. Services, before cuts have been at a bare minimum. County employees are grossly underpaid and underequipped. Any sort of sane salary schedule has never happened. The clerical offices, the "secret services," are sadly lacking in contemporary technology. Twp. assessors write new assessed values in books by hand and auditor staff do computer input. The plat books are a disgrace and bordering on totally unusable because of inaccuracies. If the county closes, or, as is now the case, works even more short staffed, think about the consequences. Assessors cannot create assessed values for the auditor who won't be there to certify them so the treasurer can not send out bills. Estates won't be settled nor property really bought and sold without the recorder's office. Look at what these people are paid. Each year there are more and more state regulations to be met. County employees are expected to be lawyers and accountants on poorer wages than most janitors make. I've worked for the county for 20 years, so I know. The state tax system does need to be restructured to remove the total dependence on property taxes. We may never see another dime from Bethlehem. Local leaders need to quit worrying solely about getting re-elected and pass a county option income tax.

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Most of the discussion surrounding the county tax shortfall has been centered on recovery of lost revenue. It is time to look at cutting government services back significantly. We must find a sustainable level of spending to match probable revenue.