COLUMBUS, Ind. — Officials in Bartholomew County will consider an income tax increase to bolster the financial health of county government. The tax could fund raises for dispatchers, additional personnel and equipment for the sheriff’s department and balance the county budget.
Emergency operations center director Ed Rueter says pay for dispatchers lags behind what is offered in other counties, making it difficult to retain employees.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers says the request for $1.1 million in additional funds is based on increased call volume, body cameras, cruisers, radio equipment, and manpower for the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team.
The 0.25 percent increase in the income tax rate would generate between $2 million and $5 million annually, and cost the average tax payer up to $134 per year.