SOUTH BEND — There's talk right now in St. Joseph County about possibly increasing how much income tax you pay.

Chris Wegnerowski of Mishawaka wants to know, “How would that affect people that work in St. Joseph County, but live outside the county, and those that live in the county, but work outside of the county?"

South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke has raised the idea of raising St. Joseph County's local option income tax. The mayor says increasing that tax could offset the city's loss in property tax revenue. That loss in revenue has had the mayor talking about potential cuts to police and fire protection.

If the county raises income tax it would apply only to people who live in the county. For example if you live in Elkhart County but work in St. Joseph County you wouldn't pay the tax increase. But if you live in St. Joseph County and work in Elkhart County you would pay the increase.

St. Joseph County has until December 31 to make a decision on whether to raise your income taxes.

For the county's income tax to be raised — between the Mishawaka and South Bend city councils and St. Joseph County Council — two of those three boards would have to approve it.

So far local leaders are talking about it, but there's been no formal proposal. And there is a lot of hesitation to consider a tax increase during tough economic times.