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Purdue Extension Martin County Blast April 24, 2023

 

 

4-H EXHIBIT POSTER MAKING WORKSHOP

Who:  All 4-H Ages & parents, leaders, and mentors

Date: Monday, May 8th

Time:  6 pm – 7:30 pm

Location: Community Learning Center, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center

Cost:  No Charge

RSVP requested at 812-295-2412 but NOT REQUIRED

 

Come to your Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center to this NO CHARGE workshop to learn the basics of 4-H exhibit poster making! 

 

Concepts will be taught and then practiced during the workshop.  If you are running late, please still join in or stop in to purchase poster board, poster board sleeves & salon sleeves for your exhibits!  

 

If you haven’t yet enrolled in 4-H, it isn’t too late!  An enrollment station will be available during this workshop. 

 

fun outing with the EVANSVILLE otters BASEBALL TEAM for mddle school 4-h members: no cost for middle school 4-h members

When:  May 20, 2023

Time:  4:00 PM CST/5:00 PM EST

Where: 23 Don Mattingly Way, Evansville

Registration: On 4honline April 10th to May 16th

For:  Grades 6th to 8th graders  Area 3 4-H members

Area 3 Counties:  Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Knox, Martin, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh & Warrick

 

Youth will go on a tour of the facility and watch a baseball game. Members only need to bring money for their own food and souvenirs.

 

2023 MARTIN COUNTY 4-H HANDBOOKS ARE AVAILABLE

You may request a copy of the 4-H Handbook from your club leader, Extension Office, search Purdue Extension Martin County 4-H Handbook 2023 on the internet or use the provided link to access on the website. 

https://extension.purdue.edu/county/martin/_docs/2023-4-h-handbook-martin-county-final-.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1xEZ4nkR4ltXlDJUAp65TprLPakrT5ezrCIPQubu7Td6uIyuSwu84qtRQ

 

4-H SCORECARDS AVAILABLE

Are you new to 4-H or seasoned to 4-H? Either way, reviewing the score cards for projects can help youth decide on how to best set up project exhibits and understand how judging is completed.  PROJECT SCORECARDS can be located at:  https://extension.purdue.edu/4-H/projects/index.html.  It is a great way to work to prepare your exhibit!

 

4-H BAND & CHORUS WORKSHOPS

Who:  Youth in grades 9-12

Date:  June  24-26

Location: Purdue University, West Lafayette

 

Band: Youth will improve their instrumental skills as they prepare for a concert band performance Monday evening during 4-H Round-Up

Chorus: Youth will improve their vocal and choreography skills as they prepare for a show choir performance Tuesday evening during 4-H Round-Up. 

 

STATE 4-H JUNIOR LEADERS CONFERENCE

Who: Youth in grades 9-12

Date: June 13-16

Location: DePauw University

The Conference is planned by a 14-member Jr. Leader Council

 

SJLC is for:

  • Those who want to learn new leadership skills for themselves and others.
  • Those willing to share the knowledge they gain with those at home.
  • Those who want to meet new friends from around Indiana.
  • Those who want to have fun!

While at Jr. Leader Conference, youth participate in:​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

  • Skill Sessions
  • State Park Group meetings
  • General Sessions
  • Skits/Talent Show
  • Recreation
  • Banquet and Dance
  • Installation Ceremony for Jr. Leader Council

UPCOMING 4-H CLUB MEETINGS 

DREAM TEAM 4-H CLUB MEETINGS

Location: Loogootee City Park with rain location at St. Martin, Whitfield

Dates & Times:

Saturday, May 13th        10 am

Tuesday, May 23rd          7 pm

Sunday, June 11th            6:30 pm

Tuesday, June 27th          5:30 pm             Prior to fair set up to sign record sheets @

The Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center

 

Horse & Pony 4-H Club Meetings

Location: Community Learning Center or Horse & Pony Barn based on weather, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center

TBA

 

Jolly Jug Rox 4-H Meetings

Location: Shoals Christian Church in the CRC Building

Time: All meetings are from 6 to 7 pm

Dates:

Tuesday, May 2nd

Monday, May 15th

Monday, June 5th

Tuesday, June 20th

 

JOLLY JUNIORS 4-H CLUB MEETINGS

Location: Truelove Church

Time: All meetings at 6 pm

Dates:

Tuesday, May 9

Tuesday, June 6

Tuesday, June 27 to sign record sheets at fair set up

 

Jr. Leaders 4-H Club Activities

Jr. Leaders is for 4-H Members in 7-12 grades.  All are invited to join in for the fun, leadership building, community minded club. Member may join in at any time!

Sunday, May 7, 7 pm: Monthly meeting, Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center

June 13-17: State Jr Leader Conference (free for many members to attend, sign up now!)

June 20-21: Day Camp for younger youth. Jr Leader members are day camp counselors and camp leaders.

 

INDIANA 4-H LLAMA & ALPACA INVITATIONAL

WHEN:  May 20, 2023

WHERE:  Clark County 4-H Fairgrounds, 9698 IN-62, Charlestown,  IN  47111

REGISTRATION: 7:30 am to 8:30 am    Show starts at 9:00

COST:  $10.00 per class or $30.00 to compete in all classes

Register for Obstacle, Costume, Showmanship, and public relation classes at a junior, intermediate or senior levels.

You may register on 4-H online and will receive an e-mail with confirmation and more info.

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:  Sessions will include basic vet care, pasture management and fiber processing.  Everyone is welcome to attend at no extra cost.

QUESTIONS:  Call 812-948-5470

 

HORSE & PONY AREA 3 4-H SHOW

WHEN:  June 10 and 11, 2023

TIME:  10:00 AM CST each day

WHERE:  1101 E CR Road 800 N, Chrisney,  IN  47611

REGISTRATION:  4-H Online,

Pre-Registration Deadline:  May 12, 2023

Cost will be $5.00 per Class, $25.00 Stall Fee, Parking Fee $5.00

4-H Rules Guide the Show

Any Questions:  Contact: Lane Chapman at 812-686-5345 or Christine Broster at 812-217-0028

Weather Questionable?  Call before You Haul.

 

JUNIOR / SENIOR VET CAMP AT THE INDIANA STATE FAIR

 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to investigate what it is like being a veterinarian!

 

Junior Vet Camp is an experience for students in 6th through 8th grades who aspire to be a veterinarian one day. The campers will have the opportunity to be a doctor for the day by practicing many hands-on veterinary skills. They will be able to practice bandaging on canine models. Each individual camper will have the chance to place an intravenous (IV) catheter in an animal model. They will also explore the field of radiography (x-rays) to learn what is inside of our patients. Current veterinary medical students from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine will lead the campers through the two-hour session. Along with hands-on skills, campers will learn about the educational pathway to veterinary medical school and how they can prepare for what awaits them as a veterinarian.

 

Junior Vet Camp dates and times:

Saturday, July 29          10 AM – 12 PM

Sunday, July 30            10 AM – 12 PM

Wednesday, August 2   5 PM – 7 PM

Saturday, August 5       10 AM – 12 PM

Sunday, August 6         10 AM – 12 PM

Thursday, August 10     5 PM – 7 PM

Saturday, August 12     10 AM – 12 PM

Sunday, August 13       10 AM – 12 PM

Saturday, August 19     10 AM – 12 PM

 

Pre-registration is required, the cost is $40, and participants will receive a t-shirt. 

 

Senior Vet Camp

Senior Vet Camp is an experience that will challenge future veterinarians in 9th through 12th grades to learn and develop their hands-on veterinary skills. Campers will explore the movement of blood through the body and how the heart is crucial to that process. They will practice their suturing skills by practicing multiple suture patterns on animal models. The campers will have the opportunity to learn about how radiographs (x-rays) are made and how they can assist in diagnosing our patients. Current veterinary medical students from the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine will lead the campers through the two-hour session. Along with hands-on skills, campers will learn about the educational pathway to veterinary medical school and what careers options await them as a veterinarian. Don’t miss out on this great camp!

 

Senior Vet Camp dates and times:

Saturday, July 29          1 PM – 3 PM

Sunday, July 30            1 PM – 3 PM

Friday, August 4           5 PM – 7 PM

Saturday, August 5       1 PM – 3 PM

Sunday, August 6         1 PM – 3 PM

Friday, August 11         5 PM – 7 PM

Saturday, August 12     1 PM – 3 PM

Sunday, August 13       1 PM – 3 PM

Friday, August 18         5 PM – 7 PM

Saturday, August 19     1 PM – 3 PM

 

Pre-registration is required, the cost is $40, and participants will receive a t-shirt. 

 

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program information

The Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Program training replaces the YQCA program. Youth in grades 3-12 showing Beef, Dairy, Poultry, Sheep, Goats, Swine, or Rabbits at the Martin County 4-H Fair and/or the Indiana State Fair are required to complete this training by July 1st to be able to exhibit.  

 

Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training core components, program goals and expectations emphasize the importance of care, safety, and youth as industry ambassadors. The goal of the Indiana 4-H Quality Livestock Care Training program is to help youth understand their responsibility in increasing consumer confidence, animal stewardship, and overall gaining and applying pertinent information and credibility, relating to food systems. The curriculum is relevant and timely with an emphasis on assisting youth in making their best livestock practices even better.

 

Cornerstone beliefs of the training include:

  1. Animals from youth livestock programs are treated with the utmost care.
  2. Youth livestock exhibitors are contributing to a safe, wholesome food supply.
  3. Youth livestock exhibitors are prepared to be ambassadors for animal agriculture.

 

Martin County training dates are: 

 

Monday, May 1, 2023               4 PM

Thursday, June 15, 2023           2 PM

Thursday, June 15, 2023           4 PM

 

Registration is due two days prior to class by calling 812-295-2412. The training cost is $3 and payment by cash or check will be accepted at the door.

 

Indiana 4-H will accept online YQCA certifications for 2023. If you choose to complete the YQCA option (still required for most national shows, especially swine), you will register for the online course at https://yqcaprogram.org/. The cost of the online YQCA course is $12. After completing the course, you must email your certificate to the Dena at heldd@purdue.edu or bring a copy to the Extension Office. 

 

VOLUNTEER opportunities

Have you ever thought about a talent you have or a talent you want to develop alongside youth in the 4-H Program? 

 

Purdue Extension & Martin County 4-H is seeking adults to work to MAKE THE BEST BETTER through 4-H programs. Contact Dena to explore how to work together in this way.  No matter how much time you have, volunteering with 4-H makes a difference by helping youth explore and discover the skills they need to lead for a lifetime. There are lots of ways to get involved! Currently, 4-H Club Leaders are needed for All Terrain Vehicle Program, Shooting Sports and STEM/Robotics. Various content specialist and general volunteers are also needed. Looking to help with the 4-H Fair and have some ideas?  Join one of the committees. Wonder how we can continue to bring fun and learning to youth through 4-H all year long? Do you have ideas?  NOW IS THE BEST TIME TO GET INVOLVED!

 

Parents, family and adult friends of 4-H members are often a natural fit to help with programming and is one way to spending quality time with the youth in your lives!

 

HEART HEALTHY HOOSIERS PROGRAM IN MARTIN COUNTY

 The Indiana University School of Public Health operates the Southern Indiana Heart Healthy Hoosiers Program to promote heart health.  This program provides:

  • Free preventative cardiovascular health screenings
  • Rapid glucose test with resource referral coaching and mentoring
  • Rapid lipid panel testing with resource referral, coaching and education
  • Healthy lifestyle coaching
  • Tobacco cessation resources
  • Carbon Dioxide level test and nicotine test

 

Thursday, May 4, 2023

TIME:  10:00 am to 3:00 pm

PLACE:  Martin County 4-H Fairgrounds & Event Center, Community Learning Center, 2666 US Hwy 50, Loogootee, Indiana

Contact: Gina Townsend, Faith Community Nurse Coordinator by e-mail gina.townsend@ascension.org

Complete the initial survey at: https://redcap.isdh.in.gov/surveys/  

CODE: 3XHRHA477

 

BASICS OF SAFE HOME CANNING: BOILING WATER BATH AND PRESSURE CANNING

 

When:  Thursday, June 8, 2023

Time:  11:00 am to 4:00 pm EST

Where:  Purdue Extension Greene County, 4503 West State Road 54, Bloomfield,  IN  47424

Registration:  Email:  kzafar@purdue.edu or call 812-659-2122

Registration deadline:  May 31, 2023 

Class size limit:  9 participants

Cost:      $10.00 which will include a take home product

 

YOUTH BABYSITTING TRAINING

Date: June 13, 2023

Registration deadline: June 1, 2023

Time: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm EST

Location: Knox County Fairgrounds in the Farm Bureau Building

Participant Ages: Youth ages 12 and up

Class size limit:12 participants  

Cost: $25 

Learn more: https://extension.purdue.edu/news/county/knox/2023/06/babysitting-training.html

 

Class includes:  

Safely caring for children
Infant care and child development
Providing guidance and discipline
Handling illness and accidents
First Aid and CPR demonstration  

Lunch and snacks will be provided. 

 

POND WORKSHOP

WHEN:  June 29, 2023

TIME:  6:00 to 8:00 pm

WHERE:  Sugar Creek Sporting Clays & Hunting Preserve

                  2285 Bono Road, Mitchell,  IN  47445

RSVP:  812-279-8117 EXT #3

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION: 

  • Suitable soils for pond development
  • Fish stocking rates
  • Habitat Management
  • Algae & Aquatic Plant Maintenance

SPEAKERS: 

  • Dena Anderson, USDA-NRCS Soil Scientist
  • David Kittaka, IDNR, District Fisheries Biologist
  • Jimmy Ferguson, Aquatic Control and Pond Maintenance Supervisor.

 

Bring a Chair and a light supper will be provided.  DOOR PRIZES!

 

PURDUE FAST START FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

One way to earn admission into Purdue University is through Fast Start. Indiana Students can take the Modern States online courses for free.  Those who pass a minimum of five corresponding College Board CLEP exams and meet Purdue’s standard admission requirements are assured admission to Purdue and designated Klinsky Scholars. CLEP testing centers are now open along with online options. The Purdue Extension Martin County Office staff are available to help local students access this opportunity! 

 

2023 MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR – FRIDAY, JULY 7 TO TUESDAY, JULY 11, 2023

 

2023 INDIANA STATE FAIR – JULY 28 – AUGUST 20, 2023 Closed Monday & Tuesdays

 

MARTIN COUNTY 4-H FAIR 2023 4-H Related Schedule of Activities

*More activities to be added/subject to change*

 

Wednesday- Friday, April 26-April 28

8:00 am – 4:00 pm                    4-H Swine tags to be picked up 

 

Friday, April 28

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    Martin County 4-H Animal tagging day for cattle, sheep & goats

(No new livestock tags will be distributed after April 28)

 

Thursday, May 11

6:00 pm – 7:00 pm                    4-H Poultry Bleed & 4-H Rabbit Tattooing

 

Monday, May 15

All 4-H project drop/add on v2.4honline.com

All 4-H animals must be identified on v2.4honline.com

Equine Health forms & applicable leases are due

 

June 1-June 20

All 4-H exhibits for the fair must be entered on FairEntry.com

                                                            

Saturday, June 10

9:00 am                                    4-H Tractor Contest – All Disciplines

 

Tuesday, June 27

6:00 pm                                    Set up at 4-H Fairgrounds for all 4-Hers, Leaders & Volunteers – check in & out at the tree

 

Thursday, June 29

3:30 pm                                    4-H Fashion Revue Judging, at the Community Learning Center

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    Static Project Exhibit Check-In Judging at the Community Building

                                                 Includes Mini 4-H exhibits (excludes 4-H foods, 4-H garden and 4-H floriculture)

 

Saturday, July 1

                                                All livestock purebred animal registration papers due

Quality Assurance training certificates for cattle, swine, sheep, goat, rabbit & poultry exhibitors are due

Health forms for felines & poultry are due

 

Wednesday, July 5

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    4-H floriculture, 4-H foods & 4-H garden projects exhibit check in 

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    All Open Class Exhibits Check-In

 

Thursday, July 6

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm                    4-H Livestock Check-In

 

Friday, July 7

3:00 pm                                    4-H Cat Show in The Emergency Management Building

5:00 pm                                    Community Building and vendors Opens

6:30 pm                                    Queen Contest, 4-H Fashion Revue & Mini Sewing Modeling

 

Saturday, July 8

9:00 am                                    Community Building Opens

9:00 am                                    4-H Beef & Dairy Show

1:00 pm                                    4-H Rabbit Show

4:00 pm – 7:00 pm                   4-H Horse & Pony Check-In Option 1

5:30 pm                                    4-H Poultry Show

 

Sunday, July 9

10:00 am – 11:00 am                4-H Horse & Pony Check-In Option 2

1:00 pm                                  4-H Horse & Pony Show  

1:00 pm                                    Community Building Opens

6:00 pm                                    4-H Goat & Sheep Show

 

Monday, July 10

5:00pm                                    Community Building Opens

5:00 pm                                    Oreo stacking and watermelon seed contest by Martin County 4-H Jr. Leaders

6:00pm                                    4-H Swine Show

 

Tuesday, July 11

5:00 pm                                    Community Building Opens 

5:15 pm - 6:00 pm                    4-H Projects released & 4-H gratitude station Opens

5:30 pm                                    4-H Supreme Showmanship

7:00 pm                                    4-H Ten year and Last Year Member Recognition

7:00 pm – 745 pm                     4-H Projects released & 4-H gratitude station Opens

7:15 pm                                    4-H Livestock Auction

 

Wednesday, July 12

6:30 pm                                    Clean up *All 4-H members & 4-H volunteers/leaders*

 

Monday, July 17 to Friday, July 21

8:00 am – 3:00 pm                    Static projects (except foods) for the Indiana State Fair are to be provided to the Extension Office or as individually scheduled by calling 812-295-2412. 

Tuesday, August 1

4:00 pm to 4:30 pm                   Foods projects for the Indiana State Fair are to be provided to the Extension Office or as individually scheduled by calling 812-295-2412.

 

 

 

INDIANA STATE FAIR 2023 ENTRY BOOKS ARE NOW AVAILBLE

 

Books are now live at the following address:

https://www.indianastatefair.com/p/state-fair/competitions--contests



INDIANA GRAZING SCHOOLS

WHEN:  June 9-10, 2023

WHERE: Southern Indiana Purdue Ag Center- SIPAC

11371 East Purdue Farm Rd. Dubois, IN  47527

 

WHEN: June 16-17, 2023

WHERE: Randolph County Extension Office

1885 S. US Hwy 27, Winchester,  IN  47394

 

Fridays: 1:00 PM- 6:00 PM

Saturdays:  8:00 AM- 5:00 PM

 

Main Content:  Soil Fertility, Water, Fencing, Grazing Systems, Animal Health, and Plant ID

 

Questions: Contact Jason Tower, towerj@purdue.edu or 812-678-4427

 

The fee for the first individual from a farming operation is $75. Cost for others after a farm owner/tenant has been registered is $50. Registrants after the first one do not receive reference materials. The fee for all others is $75. Snacks and lunch are part of the fee. Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require auxiliary aids and services due to a disability, please contact us prior to the event at 812-678-4427

 

Registration:  Please register for either location by June 2, 2023

 

INDIANA 4-H APPROVED ANIMAL GROOMING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

 

To enroll in the program, simply complete the 5 Animal Ethics and Adult Expectations online modules attached in this Qualtrics survey, complete your application via this Qualtrics Survey, and also submit a copy of your Indiana driver’s license via this Qualtrics: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHDD2KUCL62VhY2

 

All of these steps are done via Qualtrics Survey, so no paper applications are available.

 

Once a background check is completed with no issues and verification of the completion of the Animal Ethics and Adult Expectations modules is ensured, you will receive an email beginning in mid July confirming your participation. Applicants must also complete the online Animal Ethics and Adult Expectations modules located here: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bHDD2KUCL62VhY2 in the electronic application annually.

 

These modules are intended to reiterate the importance of providing a foundation for 4-H families to start a conversation about livestock ethics, understanding of why rules are in place, and also understanding the role of the approved animal groomer. The modules help to ensure 4-H parents and adult mentors realize they are representatives of a larger livestock industry and give them tools to communicate effectively with the general public on behalf of that community. Last but certainly not least, the modules ensure animals in the Indiana 4-H Program are treated with the utmost care. All of the information is located in this Qualtrics Survey and once you submit this survey you will have completed all steps to officially enroll in the program for this year. Once enrolled in the program, you will be able to assist any 4-H member from any county on any animal species. To be enrolled in the program for the Indiana State Fair, the application and modules must be completed by July 20 annually.

 

It is the intent that the 4-H member take responsibility for caring for and grooming his/her own animals. However, it is recognized that all youth need assistance. The purpose of this program is to provide an avenue for equal access to qualified animal grooming assistance. Those enrolled in this program should not see this as a way to do the work for the 4-H member, but should provide hands-on learning opportunities that further the skills and abilities of the 4-H member. Please note that the program as described above is for the Indiana State Fair. While it is likely that some counties will adopt this policy for their county fairs, those decisions are made by the respective county 4-H councils and/or county 4-H fair boards. Please check with your County Extension Office for specific county fair rules. Refer to local policies for specific deadlines. Questions- contact Courtney Stierwalt at dickerso@purdue.edu.

 

BEWARE OF DISASTER RELIEF AND SEVERE WEATHER SCAMS

 

In the wake of recent severe weather, storms, and tornados, it’s important to guard against scams. Following storms, scammers are out in full force trying to con Hoosiers out of their hard-earned money under the guise of clean-up, repair, or rebuilding.

Unfortunately, many dubious con artists appear on people’s doorsteps, promise to make needed repairs, and then disappear with their victims’ down-payments in their pockets – never to return to do the work.

The Attorney General’s office recommends Hoosiers follow a few simple tips to avoid falling victim to storm-chasing scammers:

  • Be skeptical of people promising immediate clean-up and debris removal. 
  • FEMA doesn’t charge application fees. If someone wants money to help you qualify for FEMA funds, it’s probably a scam.
  • Check contractors’ online reviews and reputations before enlisting their services. 
  • Ask for IDs, licenses, and proof the contractor is both bonded and insured.
  • Get more than one estimate for work. 
  • Don’t believe any promises that aren’t in writing. 
  • Never pay by wire transfer, gift card, cryptocurrency, or in cash.
  • Don’t pay the full amount for the project up front.

Dealing with a disaster is never easy. But when scammers target people just trying to recover, the experience can become even more difficult. If you suspect a scam of any type, file a complaint at indianaconsumer.com or call the Attorney General office at 1-800-382-5516.

Adapted from the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority IHCDA April newsletter

 

PROPERTY TAX BILLS INCREASING IN 2023

By Larry DeBoer adapted from: https://extension.purdue.edu/news/2023/03/property-tax-bills-are-increasing-a-lot-in-2023.html

 

Indiana county treasurers soon will mail property tax bills to owners of homes, rental housing, farmland, and businesses. Most will see big increases in the assessed value of their property. This will mean big increases in tax payments.

 

The increase is a legacy of the pandemic. Property values rose a lot in 2021. Home prices increased as mortgage interest rates fell and people demanded more space to work at home.  Farmland prices increased because corn and soybean prices spiked, making land ownership more profitable. Construction costs increased due to shortages of building materials. 

 

The Indiana Constitution and the state’s regulations require that property assessments reflect objective measures of property wealth. County assessors used data on 2021 price hikes to set assessments in 2022. Tax bills this year are based on those higher assessments. Only now, in 2023, are the consequences of the pandemic showing up in property tax bills. Across the state assessed values are rising by 14.6 percent, the biggest increase in 20 years.

 

Indiana puts three important limits on property tax bills. Each reduces taxes below what they would be otherwise. They just won’t hold back tax bill increases in 2023. The state maximum levy doesn’t cover some of the big property tax levies. The homestead standard deduction doesn’t increase with rising homestead assessments. And the circuit breaker tax caps are based on percentages of those rising assessments.

 

The levy is the revenue to be collected from the property tax. Most levies are subject to a state maximum growth limit, which is 5 percent for 2023. Most local governments have been forced to cut their tax rates because assessments are rising faster than maximum levy growth. Yet, the total levy increased by 8.9 percent in 2023, a lot more than the maximum levy growth limit. 

That’s because two important parts of the property tax levy are outside the maximum levy controls. Voters pass school operating referendums with a maximum tax rate, not a maximum levy. So, if school districts keep their referendum rates constant, levies increase at the same pace as assessed values. Debt service rates are outside the maximum levy limits too. Lenders don’t like restrictions on governments’ ability to repay their debts. Schools have by far the most debt, and many did not reduce their debt service rates much in 2023. They borrowed more money instead, so debt service levies increased a lot. 

 

The homestead standard deduction subtracts $45,000 from the assessed value of homes before tax rates are applied. The deduction is unchanged in 2023. Suppose the assessed value of a $200,000 home rises 20 percent, to $240,000. After the deduction is subtracted, the increase is $155,000 to $195,000. That’s a 26% increase—more than the rise in the assessed value. Suppose it’s a lower valued home that increases 20 percent, from $100,000 to $120,000. After the standard deduction the increase is $55,000 to $75,000, which is 36 percent. The standard deduction doesn’t increase with the assessed value of homes, so taxable assessed values increase even faster, more so for lower valued homes. Tax bills rise faster too.

 

The circuit breaker caps limit the tax bills on homesteads to 1 percent of assessed value. They limit the tax bills on rental housing and farmland to 2 percent, and business property to 3 percent. The caps reduce tax bills by subtracting circuit breaker credits from tax amounts, in places where tax rates are high.

 

When assessed values rise, though, so do the circuit breaker caps. Homeowners are still helped some, because the tax bills are based on assessments after the standard deduction, while the caps are based on the assessed value before deductions. Tax bills rise faster than the caps, so homeowners will see more circuit breaker credits. For other taxpayers, the caps are rising just as fast as tax bills. In fact, since tax rates are falling in 90 percent of tax districts, fewer taxpayers will be eligible for tax cap credits. 

 

Assessments are rising with property values, as the Indiana Constitution requires. But they’re rising so fast that they have overwhelmed our property tax limits. The General Assembly may pass legislation to limit tax bill increases next year. This year, taxpayers will have to pay. .

 

 

 

 

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