Indiana Administrative Code Title 50 - DEPARTMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT FINANCE

Overview

Title 50 of the Indiana Administrative Code governs the Department of Local Government Finance (DLGF). The DLGF is responsible for overseeing the fiscal management of local governments throughout Indiana. Its rules and regulations ensure transparency, accountability, and proper financial practices within counties, cities, towns, and other local government units.

Key Areas Covered

1. Budgeting and Appropriations

Sets forth the procedures and deadlines for preparing, submitting, and approving local government budgets.

Defines requirements for budget hearings, public notices, and adoption processes.

Details the controls on appropriations and the use of budgeted funds.

2. Property Tax Administration

Governs the assessment, levy, and collection of property taxes by local units.

Outlines rules related to tax rates, exemptions, abatements, and appeals.

Establishes procedures for certifying tax levies and collections to the state.

3. Financial Reporting

Requires local governments to submit annual financial reports to the DLGF.

Specifies formats and timelines for financial disclosures and audits.

Ensures transparency and public access to local government financial information.

4. Debt Management

Regulates the issuance, management, and reporting of local government debt.

Includes rules on borrowing limits, bond issuance, and debt service requirements.

Provides guidelines for maintaining fiscal responsibility and creditworthiness.

5. Training and Certification

Establishes requirements for financial officers and budget officials in local governments to complete training.

Sets standards for certification and continuing education to promote effective financial management.

6. Appeals and Hearings

Provides procedures for local governments and taxpayers to appeal decisions related to budgets, tax rates, and assessments.

Details processes for administrative hearings before the DLGF or designated bodies.

Summary Table

AreaDetails
Budgeting & AppropriationsBudget preparation, hearings, adoption, fund usage
Property Tax AdministrationAssessment, levies, exemptions, appeals
Financial ReportingAnnual reports, audits, transparency
Debt ManagementBorrowing rules, bond issuance, debt service
Training & CertificationTraining requirements for financial officers
Appeals & HearingsProcedures for contesting DLGF decisions

Importance

Ensures sound fiscal management and accountability in Indiana’s local governments.

Provides a transparent process for budgeting and taxation to protect taxpayer interests.

Helps maintain local governments’ financial stability and creditworthiness.

Facilitates informed decision-making through standardized financial reporting.

Supports professional development of local government finance officials.

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