City Councilman Russ Jehl has a proposal to amend Fort Wayne's tax abatement policy. Jehl, R-2nd, said Tuesday that updating the policy is necessary to better reflect council's views on the abatement process.

Tax abatements are a popular economic development tool offered by municipalities to entice business investment. Abatements phase in business personal property taxes over a period of time, typically five to 10 years.

Specifically, Jehl said he'd like to see the city stop giving abatements to "run-of-the-mill service agencies," and rework the way abatements are granted for vacant buildings. Jehl said he's had productive conversations about the possibility with the city administration and agencies like Greater Fort Wayne Inc.

"It's time to throw something out there and let people mull on it, pick on it, provide constructive criticisms," Jehl said, as he asked for input from fellow council members to move the discussion forward. 

dgong@jg.net