In 2007, Ballard promised to eliminate the taxing authority of unelected boards. 2007 Ballard Campaign Website Issues/Local Government Reform.

FACT:     Mayor Ballard has not eliminated taxing authority of any unelected board and, in fact, Ballard proposes to transfer water and sewer utility districts to the unelected Board of Public Utilities (dba Citizens Energy Group) which has its own tax raising and rate raising authority.  And the Metropolitan Development Commission diverted $8 Million of property tax money to unelected CIB for the first time.

• Did not eliminate taxing authority of any unelected board;
• In fact, Ballard proposes to transfer water and sewer utility districts to the most untouchable, unelected city board (Citizens Energy/Dept. of Public Utilities) which has its own rate raising AND tax raising powers.  Indiana Code § 8-1-11.-1 et seq. (specifically see I.C. § 8-1-11.1-10 “Tax Levy to Pay for Bonds”)

The unelected, Metropolitan Development Commission, of which 7 of the 9 members are appointed by Ballard and his Republican Council, diverted $6 Million of property tax money to the unelected Capital Improvement Board for the first time.  Indianapolis Star online “CIB budget proves hard sell before council, http://www.indystar.com/article/20101012/LOCAL18/10120320/CIB-budget-proves-a-hard-sell-before-council, October 12, 2010.