Big pay raise for city councilors appears doomed
City-county councilors are skittish about a measure to more than double their annual pay to $25,000 for a number of reasons, including working outside the normal budget process.
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City officials to vote on Rexnord’s $381K tax-break clawback
The resolution directs the manufacturer to pay back the money and authorizes the Department of Metropolitan Development “to take such action as is necessary to recover said damages.”
Hogsett eyes new jail, focus on mental health in criminal justice system
Mayor Joe Hogsett is drafting plans for a new jail that would combine Marion County’s three existing lockups under one roof, creating room for 2,600 to 3,000 inmates.
City shifts more TIF risk onto developers
The Hogsett administration has begun using TIF financing for neighborhood projects, but the developers have to agree to back the bonds.
City-County Council votes to expand downtown TIF district
Council members voted 24-1 to include in the TIF district the former General Motors stamping plant property and the Market East District.
Indy council members to propose more than doubling their own pay
City-County Council Vice President Zach Adamson, along with fellow Democrat Monroe Gray, will propose on Monday raising council members’ pay from $11,400 per year to $25,000 per year.
Community development veteran takes reins of once-troubled city land bank
Bruce Baird is leaving the Indianapolis Housing Agency to direct Renew Indianapolis, the not-for-profit that aims to return vacant properties to the city’s tax rolls.
New and expanded manufacturing, health centers land in Shelby County
The largely rural county southeast of Indianapolis has recently racked up a string of successes.
Council committee approves expanding downtown TIF
The proposal, which supporters say will spur development in needed areas, still needs the support of the full City-County Council to move forward.
City tries to claw back $380,675 from exiting Rexnord Corp.
As the manufacturer prepares to move its Indianapolis operations to Mexico, city officials are demanding a refund in tax incentives received by the firm.
Study says swaths of city in decline
A new study commissioned by the not-for-profit land bank Renew Indianapolis shows that just a tiny fraction of the city’s population is benefiting from renewed investment.
School referendums are passing at higher rates than before
It was a banner year for school referendums across Indiana, with all but three of the 20 ballot questions in this year’s primary and general elections turning out successfully for the districts.
City council to get two new Republicans after members elected to higher office
Candidates already have come forward to take over Districts 24 and 25 now that Aaron Freeman and Jack Sandlin have won seats in the state senate.
City-County Council approves regulations for pedal pubs
Pedal pubs will be licensed by the city and will have to carry liability insurance, among other requirements.
Council OKs Hogsett plan to borrow $75M for roads, public safety
The move is a win for Mayor Joe Hogsett, who originally faced skepticism from council Republicans over the decision to borrow for big-ticket items by renewing bonds that are about to expire.
Indianapolis early voting down from 2008, up from 2012
Early voting will continue at the downtown City-County Building at 200 E. Washington St. through noon on Monday. Voters must bring a valid state or federal photo ID.
Feds pitch in to help Citizens with plan to redevelop coke plant
The plant closed in 2007, taking 300 jobs. It opened in 1909 and at one point produced all the gas used for heating Marion County.
Westfield’s Grand Park far from break-even
Since opening in summer 2014, Grand Park has operated millions of dollars in the red and is projecting a $3.86 million deficit next year. Revenue is growing—but so are expenses.
Moody’s affirms city’s AAA credit rating despite negative outlook
Ratings service Moody’s said Indianapolis’ ability to maintain a AAA rating on $78.6 million of general obligation debt reflects a “healthy financial position despite continued draws on reserves to support ongoing operations and capital maintenance.”
Council has final say on transit tax, even if voters pass referendum
The Nov. 8 referendum—if it’s approved—doesn’t institute a transit tax. It only gives the City-County Council permission to vote on one, if it chooses to.