Dealer Services in Carmel nears new tax break

CARMEL — The City Council designated an area an economic revitalization area as the first step in potentially providing a local company with a tax abatement.

The approved area is 1320 City Center Drive, Suite 100, just east of U.S. 31, near the intersection of Pennsylvania and West 122nd streets. Dealer Services Corp., an automotive financing firm with branches in most states, moved its headquarters to the suite last year from 11555 N. Meridian St., according to information provided by the Carmel clerk-treasurer’s office.

The company has 83 full-time employees and plans to hire another 55 during the next five years, according to the economic revitalization resolution that was approved 7-0 during Monday night’s council meeting. The annual salaries of the current and proposed 138 employees would total about $7.5 million.

The company had received a seven-year tax abatement, or reduction in taxes, in 2005, but since it is moving, it would have to reapply for one. For the council to consider a request for a tax abatement, the elected officials needed to first designate the company’s location an economic revitalization area.

A public hearing will be held during the next council meeting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 16, according to the clerk-treasurer’s office. Another resolution is expected to be proposed during the meeting seeking the tax abatement.

In other business

>>The council sent a resolution proposing to restrict parking on and near roundabouts and crosswalks to the utilities, transportation and public safety committee. The committee will discuss the resolution during its meeting its meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday in City Hall, before returning it to the council for a vote.

>>The council sent an ordinance about the proposed salaries for elected officials to the finance committee, which will meet on Nov. 19 before returning it to council for a vote.

The proposed salaries are: $112,762 for Mayor Jim Brainard; $92,222 for Clerk-treasurer Diana Cordray; $106,626 for Judge Brian Poindexter would make $106,626; And $16,120 for each of the seven City Council members.