ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- Today the St. Jospeh County Commissioners released a joint statement to the public on their desire for a more simplified tax abatement process. 

From the Commissioner:

"Tonight, the County Council will consider repealing our current complex tax abatement and exchanging it with a more simplified process. We are in full agreement with this change – and frankly we think it’s about time. Companies have a choice when considering which counties to start or grow their businesses.

"The county’s current rules for an abatement are cumbersome. That’s a bad first impression of St. Joseph County. During this dynamic period in St. Joseph County’s economic history, we want to send the signal that we are open for business. Updating and modernizing our abatement procedures will do just that.

"We support these pro-business changes and encourage all member of the County Council to vote to repeal the county’s current abatement procedures and opt for a simple application process. We are also in favor of the amendment offered by the bill’s sponsors to add additional question[s] to the application process dealing with local labor, safety, and employee training opportunities."