A proposed overhaul of St. Joseph County’s tax abatement policy is drawing criticism from several County Council members and residents who say the measure is being rushed through without adequate public review. Tax abatements, which reduce or defer property taxes for companies expanding or locating in the county, are intended to spur economic development. However, the latest proposal — introduced by Councilman Bryan Tanner with co-sponsors Diana Hess, Mark Catanzarite, Dan Schaetzle, and Jennifer Shabazz — would extend the maximum abatement period to 20 years, a significant increase from the traditional five- or ten-year terms. The measure appeared last on the agenda during last Tuesday’s lengthy committee meeting, which was dominated by hours of testimony about proposed data centers.

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