Workshop to Provide Insight into State Economy, Property Tax Reform on Dec. 16

State and local government officials have had many tax issues to deal with, and a Purdue University workshop will help shed light on Indiana's economy and property taxes.

Purdue agricultural economist Larry DeBoer will explain the current condition of Indiana's budget and economy during Recession, Recovery and Indiana Government Budgets. The workshop takes place from 2-4:30 p.m. EST on Dec. 16.

The workshop can be viewed at many Purdue Extension county offices throughout the state or online at https://gomeet.itap.purdue.edu/localgov12-16-09/

The workshop is free, however, those who would like to attend at an Extension office location are asked to register with that office by Dec. 14. Counties hosting the workshop include Allen, Bartholomew, Clinton, Floyd, Fountain, Hamilton, Hendricks, Jasper, Johnson, Kosciusko, Lake, LaPorte, Parke, Porter, Spencer, Tippecanoe, Vigo and White. To register, find contact information for the Purdue Extension county offices at http://www.ag.purdue.edu/extension/Pages/Counties.aspx

DeBoer said that in the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly the governor and legislators will have to determine how to deal with budget shortfalls, which may last into 2011.

"Tax revenues were $475 million below what was forecast for the first five months of this year's budget," said DeBoer, a public policy analyst who consults with the Indiana Legislature about tax and finance issues. "By one measure, the state had about $300 million in reserve balances for the biennium. That amount already has been exceeded. It's little wonder that the governor asked state agencies and universities to spend less."

In addition to an overview of the Indiana budget, DeBoer will give an economic outlook for the state and the nation. He'll also review how property tax reforms have affected taxpayers and local governments. A question-and-answer session will follow his presentation.

DeBoer's presentation will be archived on the Purdue Extension Economic and Community Development Web site at http://www.extension.purdue.edu/ecd/ for later viewing.

The workshop is part of Purdue Extension's On Local Government series, which provides programming for public officials and citizens.

For more information on the workshop, contact Jenna Wargo at 765-496-6491, jwargo@purdue.edu.