Portage Mayor Austin Bonta

"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.

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.

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.

The 2025 salary ordinance adopted by the city council last week includes a 2.5-percent cost-of-living adjustment for non-union city employees.

"I'm disgusted by what we're seeing around us," said Portage Police Chief Michael Candiano.

Visitors to downtown Portage may soon be able to take their drinks from one bar to another.