For Immediate Release                                                                        Contact: John Donnelly
July 15, 2009                                                                                                   202-225-3915

Area Congressional Delegation Seeks Meeting with Auto Recovery Czar to Discuss Chrysler Property Tax Matter

Washington, D.C.-Today, Congressmen Joe Donnelly and Dan Burton and Senators Evan Bayh and Richard Lugar sent a letter to Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers Dr. Edward Montgomery requesting a meeting to discuss possible solutions to the fiscal problems that would be brought on by Chrysler's failure to pay timely its full personal property tax obligation to Howard County and the City of Kokomo.

Below is a copy of the letter:

Dear Dr. Montgomery:

We write to you today to make you aware of a developing matter relating to Chrysler Group, LLC ("Chrysler") and its property tax obligations to Howard County and the City of Kokomo.

As you know, the City of Kokomo is home to four Chrysler facilities that employ more than 6,000 Hoosiers. Chrysler is a valued part of the community and the backbone of the local economy. Not surprisingly, it also accounts for a significant portion of the real and personal
property tax levies of both the city and the county. 

For 2009, Chrysler's total property tax obligation to Howard County and the City of Kokomo is $16.7 million, or 15% of the area's total levy. Almost half (45%) of Northwestern Schools' transportation and debt service budget for 2009 would come from property taxes paid by Chrysler. We have enclosed for your reference a more detailed breakdown of the
extent to which the city, county and its school corporations rely on Chrysler's property tax payments. 

Property taxes in the State of Indiana are billed bi-annually. This year, spring payments were due June 19 and fall payments will be due November 10. Chrysler paid the spring installment of its real property tax debt ($2.2 million) on June 26, leaving an outstanding property tax debt of approximately $6.1 million. According to city and county officials, Chrysler's attorneys have confirmed that the entirety of the company's personal property tax debt payable in both 2009 and 2010 ($24.6 million) is the responsibility of "Old Chrysler," which remains in bankruptcy. Given the complexity of any bankruptcy proceeding and uncertainty as to the value of Old Chrysler's assets, we believe city and county officials are rightfully concerned about whether and when full payment might be forthcoming.

For all of the foregoing reasons, we ask that you meet with us to discuss possible solutions to the fiscal problems that would be brought on by Chrysler's failure to pay timely its full personal property tax obligation to Howard County and the City of Kokomo.

Thank you for your prompt personal attention and consideration in this matter.

Sincerely,

____________________ ____________________
Richard Lugar Evan Bayh
United States Senate United States Senate
____________________ ____________________
Dan Burton Joe Donnelly
Member of Congress Member of Congress

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