FACT: Ballard has implemented dozens and dozens of tax increases, including more than 100 business fee increases, a hotel tax increase, a car rental tax increase, a sporting event-admissions tax increase, an expansion of the professional sports district to collect more state sales and income taxes, a “hidden” sewer rate increase and parking rate increases, among others.
Specifically, Mayor Ballard has:
● Increased hotel tax in 2009 (making it the one of the highest in the country) as part of the CIB Bailout he promoted. Indianapolis Star, August 11, 2009
● Added J.W. Marriot to the Professional Sports Development District as part of CIB Bailout he promoted.
● Transferred property tax revenues to the CIB for the first time ever, further shifting the financial burden to residential taxpayers.
● Promoted a $430 million “hidden tax increase” for infrastructure projects through unnecessary increase in sewer rates. Indianapolis Star, April 29, 2010
● Pushed through a plan that will cause parking meter rates to double in two years and extend meter operation hours. Indianapolis Star online, October 20, 2010
● Increased over 100 licensing, permitting and other business fees on 27 types of businesses. Indianapolis Star December 23, 2009; Indianapolis Star, May 6, 2010
● $93 Million of property tax revenue as primary source for funding of private North of South real estate project near Lilly’s campus. City/County Council Proposal 292, 2010; Indianapolis Star, September 28, 2010 and October 10, 2010.
