MUST Meeting - Howard County, Indiana - 9/25/2026

This was a preliminary meeting held by the Howard County Government in Indiana on September 25, 2026, focused on discussing potential property tax rates for the 2029 fiscal year. The meeting involved representatives from the county and its municipalities, including the city of Cooko, Greentown, and Bruceville. The primary procurement-related discussion centered on setting county and municipal tax rates, including the county service rate, small municipal rate, and non-municipal rate, which fund various local government services such as fire protection, EMS, libraries, and solid waste districts. The group deliberated on whether to adopt a single countywide tax rate or allow municipalities to opt out and set their own rates, with attention to statutory limits and the impact on revenue distribution. They also discussed the uncertainty around adjusted gross income (AGI) data certification by the Department of Revenue, which affects tax base calculations and rate setting. No final decisions were made; the council agreed to continue discussions in future meetings to address outstanding issues such as fire EMS rates and interlocal agreements. The meeting highlighted the complexity of tax rate setting and the need for collaboration among county units and municipalities to ensure equitable funding and compliance with state law.