Tax Increase Would Cover Riverfront, Neighborhood Projects

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A proposal before the Fort Wayne City Council is calling for .15 percent local income tax increase to pay for neighborhood improvements and additional phases of the Riverfront Redevelopment project. Officials say the increase would generate nearly $10 million per year for the city.

A news release from Council President Tom Didier, Vice President Tom Freistroffer, Councilman John Crawford and Councilman Glynn Hines says proposed projects include $40 million for work to sidewalks and alleys over the next 10-15 years, $4 million in riverbank stabilization, $25 million for Riverfront Phase II and $50 million for Riverfront phase III.

Council members say the increase for a household with an income of $49,000 would be about $70 a year.

The proposal was introduced Tuesday night to the City Council, which has scheduled a public hearing and further discussion for June 27. A final vote could come July 11.