Critics vindicated by Carmel cash woes
A budget shortfall at Carmel Utilities has led to a deficit in the city’s general fund—a problem critics of Mayor Jim Brainard have been warning about for months.
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Hogsett appoints Troy Riggs to be new IMPD chief
Citing a “public safety crisis,” Mayor-elect Joe Hogsett picks a major player from Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration.
Councilor to ditch proposal to raise mayor’s pay
Outgoing councilor Mary Moriarty Adams, who co-authored the proposal, said she would seek to drop a proposed salary increase for the mayor but would still pursue higher pay for city-county councilors.
Johnson gets 5-year sentence in Indy Land Bank case
David Johnson, who was found guilty of wire fraud and money laundering as part of the Indy Land Bank scandal, was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison Friday by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence.
Council mulls $30,000 raise for next mayor, pay hike for members
The proposed $125,000 salary for incoming Mayor Joe Hogsett would still be less than the pay for mayors in Gary and Fort Wayne but more than the governor. The pay hike would be the first for the office since 2002.
Hogsett starts ‘aggressive’ cost review of city programs
Indianapolis mayor-elect Joe Hogsett has enlisted public accounting and consulting firm Crowe Horwath LLP to help complete a “strategic review” of city-county government.
Hogsett forms transition group ‘One City Indy’
The nonpartisan group of business, government and philanthropic leaders will manage the mayoral administration’s transition efforts and help advise on policy.
City still on hook for $11.2M on abandoned justice project
Taxpayers still owe $11.2 million to consultants and contractors involved with an abandoned plan to build a new criminal justice center for Marion County.
Hogsett: I won’t ‘roll back’ Ballard’s legacy
Republican Mayor Greg Ballard and Democratic Mayor-elect Joe Hogsett came together Wednesday as a show of bipartisanship. Ballard ensured Hogsett’s team a smooth transition.
Warehousing firm plans $11.7M expansion near downtown
Merchandise Warehouse Co. Inc. is planning an expansion and renovation of its warehouse facilities just south of downtown, allowing it to add 65 employees over the next five years.
Northern suburbs investing in new websites
City, town and county officials are investing tens of thousands of dollars to revamp their dated municipal websites and make information easier for residents to obtain.
Auditor sues city, BlueIndy over car-sharing contract
Marion County Auditor Julie Voorhies has sued the city of Indianapolis over its contract with BlueIndy, saying the city illegally paid $6 million to the electric car-sharing service. Mayor’s spokeswoman calls lawsuit a “stunt.”
Zionsville eyes $600K for nature center, temporary town hall
Mayor Jeff Papa says the town could address two potential needs with one building as officials weigh what to do with the current town hall.
Hogsett’s claim about spending cuts isn’t quite accurate
The Democrat has said repeatedly that he spent less year after year while serving as secretary of state and U.S. attorney. But while his spending was generally lower than the amounts appropriated to the office, they weren’t always less than the year before.
Pacers go into new season with revenue streams headed in right direction
Sales of season tickets, merchandise and sponsorships are all up. Attendance is expected to match—or even exceed—the 2013-2014 season. And the stadium deal the Pacers struck with the city’s Capital Improvement Board last year has freed the franchise to make investments it hopes will pay dividends long term.
Mayoral foes: City must draw residents to bolster tax revenue
Attracting higher-wage residents is key to future growth as city revenues have stagnated and local governments have become increasingly reliant on income taxes. Republican Chuck Brewer and Democrat Joe Hogsett are proposing ways to bolster Indy neighborhoods.
Hogsett solidifies fundraising advantage over Brewer
Democrat Joe Hogsett bolstered his cash advantage in the Indianapolis mayoral race against Republican Chuck Brewer, reporting donations of more than $1.56 million in his most recent campaign finance filing.
City billboard suit spooks Montage on Mass developers
A federal suit filed by a local billboard firm claiming a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision makes the city’s sign ordinance unconstitutional has pushed discussion of another project’s electronic-mesh art display to next year.
Holdups delay razing of blighted properties with federal funds
Fewer than 15 of nearly 170 homes targeted for demolition have actually been razed since Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann and Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard kicked off the program in September 2014 and accepted nearly $6.5 million in federal funds.
Early voting off to slow start in Indianapolis election
In a possible precursor to another low-turnout election, fewer than 3,000 people had already voted or requested absentee ballots by early this week for the Nov. 3 municipal contest.