From INSIGHT, The Community Newsletter - City of New Haven, April 2007

"Ask Mayor Terry McDonald"

Question: What is with all of the negative editorials from local papers about East Allen Communities?

Most of the recent opinions stem from the release of a draft document from the “EAC” which outlines the structure of a hybrid local government. You may have read that this model is an “umbrella” government. This word has never been used by any member of the “EAC” and was first used by State Senator Dennis Kruse in his attempt to describe the model as proposed.

The local papers have claimed that the proposal will bring another layer of government, with more taxes, and would potentially harm Allen County government. It is true that certain tax dollars would be shifted from Allen County government to the EAC. However, the EAC preliminary report indicates that the EAC area is not receiving an equitable share of the total taxes available within Allen County. For example, as little as 25% of all road dollars generated in Allen County are spent within the EAC area on various road projects, even though over 50% of the road miles in Allen County are within the EAC.

In regard to income tax, not all of the taxes will be shifted from Allen County. Some income tax will go to EAC based on population and Allen County will still retain income tax from the area based on property taxes.

The EAC model calls for the incorporation of all of the unincorporated areas of East Allen County, preserving the cities and towns and the township authorities. A comprehensive list of potential services that cities and towns can provide was also included, and if the “Town of East Allen Communities” is formed, the officials will need to select 6 such services. This could range from police services to street maintenance.

In the days to come, there will be many opportunities to speak with elected officials that have actually been involved with the process of investigating government efficiency in East Allen County.

Thanks for asking and remember you can e-mail your questions to tmcdonald@newhavenin.org.

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