Revenue shortfalls are making it more difficult for Indiana municipalities to provide the services and amenities residents expect.
Indiana Association of Cities and Towns Executive Director Matthew Greller says the problems are due to the slow economic recovery, state imposed property tax caps, and less revenue from the cigarette and gas taxes.
He says despite these issues, officials remain under pressure to keep providing services and even expand them.
Greller says local governments need to be able to decide for themselves the best way to address budget shortfalls.
He says requiring municipalities to seek permission from the state legislature hinders efforts to improve local economies.