Portage City Council

"We have been trying pretty diligently to catch the city up in terms of appropriate costs, in particular, making sure that, quite frankly, developments are paying for themselves, the city is getting compensated adequately," Mayor Austin Bonta told council members.

A grain elevator at the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor could soon be back in use, with some help from the city of Portage. The city council Tuesday approved real and personal property tax abatements for the Louis Dreyfus Company.

Plans for a Portage retail development with a possible Target store continue to move forward.

"For us, it's been a breath of fresh air," said Portage Fire Chief Chris Crail. "It's been something that is long overdue, and hopefully, those are steps in the right direction for our crews."

A Portage Township official worries the township could lose money, if the city of Portage creates TIF districts for housing developments.

The city of Portage is easing some regulations on contractors and businesses. An ordinance adopted by the city council last week removes the requirement for contractors to take a written test and for some smaller projects to be overseen by a general contractor.

"People ask, 'Why do these things happen?' Well, I mean, we've got a guy who's been arrested 20 times who's walking free," Portage Police Chief Michael Candiano told the city council Tuesday.

Plans for a 225-lot subdivision are moving ahead in Portage.

"I anticipate that between now and our February meeting, a good deal of discussion will be had with council members and relevant department heads and relevant department officials," Mayor Austin Bonta said during last week's council meeting.

Indiana's proposed property tax reform is leading to questions for Portage's vehicle replacement plans.