Kenley wants tighter controls on tax incentives

State Sen. Luke Kenley, the Noblesville Republican who this summer chaired a legislative committee to study the property tax issue, wants tighter controls on tax increment financing districts and property tax abatements, reports The Times in Munster.

For years, the incentives have been offered to entice businesses to relocate to or expand in Indiana. Critics say the more-than-$400 million in tax breaks offered last year could have been better spent by local government.

Supporters counter that companies would go elsewhere if the incentives weren’t available.

The deals are drawing fire from Kenley and others who question their use in light of property tax bills that soared in the recent assessment. The deals are necessary, but overuse and abuse of the incentives need to be curbed, Kenley told the newspaper.