Ballard plans to introduce merit raises for more employees
Mayor Greg Ballard said Thursday that he plans to introduce a new system of merit raises that could put extra pressure on department chiefs to cut their budgets.
Government
Articles
Livestock farmers still seeking pause in ethanol production
Livestock farmers and ranchers seeing their feed costs rise because of the worst drought in a quarter-century are demanding that the EPA waive production requirements for corn-based ethanol. The Obama administration sees no need for a waiver.
Parking-garage connectors receive city approval
The Metropolitan Development Commission’s plat committee has given local developer Flaherty & Collins Properties the go-ahead to include two upper-level pedestrian connectors in its plan to build a five-story parking garage downtown. The garage is part of a larger, $85 million development.
Extra money for Carmel arts groups on hold
Carmel Mayor James Brainard's request for an additional $1.36 million in arts funding is lingering in a city council committee.
Pence wants more farm promotion, technology
Mike Pence's Republican running mate, lieutenant governor nominee Sue Ellspermann, said Tuesday the state should do more to promote Indiana farm exports. She's also calling for a joint venture in developing new agriculture technology.
Five in the running to manage City-County Building
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s office is reviewing proposals from five commercial property managers that want a crack at running the City-County Building for the next 30 years.
Daniels still waiting on lobbying decision
Questions remain whether Indiana’s governor will be covered by the state’s “revolving door” law when he becomes president of Purdue University. State ethics rules require a one year cool-down period for public officials after leaving office, preventing them from working as lobbyists.
Daniels seeks candidate input on health exchange
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels asked the three gubernatorial candidates this week for their input as he decides whether to establish a state health insurance exchange.
Biz interests shy from gubernatorial hopeful Gregg
Technically, the Indiana governor’s race is wide open, but some deep-pocketed donors see Democrat John Gregg as a long shot. Gregg tripled his fundraising pace in the second quarter, but much of that was fueled by unions, rather than business groups and executives who’ve supported Democrats in the past.
City’s Huber to head airport biz-development efforts
Michael Huber, the city’s deputy mayor for economic development since March 2010, is stepping down to take a lead role in commercial development at Indianapolis International Airport. He’ll be replaced by Bond Bank director Deron Kintner.
Former city official takes top job at Indiana ACLU
Jane Henegar, who was Indianapolis' deputy mayor from 2000 to 2006 under then-Mayor Bart Peterson, is the new executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana.
Pence seeks tax cut; Gregg equal pay for women
Indiana gubernatorial candidates John Gregg and Mike Pence both want to help working Hoosiers, but on Tuesday proposed different ways to do it.
Dems grumbling over big raises for Ballard’s staff
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard’s staff received a collective 18-percent raise this spring following the hiring of a new deputy for education with an annual salary of $120,000.
Budget questions could easily eat at $2.2B reserve
With $2.2 billion in the bank, improving tax collections and extra tax refunds on their way to Hoosiers, it would be easy to assume Indiana’s leaders could coast for a while.
Health insurers’ anti-fraud bid seeks to ease profit-limit rule
The Obama administration Thursday announced a partnership with the industry in which WellPoint Inc., UnitedHealth Group Inc. and other insurers may try to share more billing data with the government to root out fraud.
State fair exec shadowed by tragedy
Cindy Hoye's life has revolved around fairs since she was a child growing up just 10 minutes from the Indiana State Fairgrounds, but for the past year, that lifelong love has been tainted by tragedy.
State pensions’ strategy shift causes manager fees to rise
The $25.3 billion Indiana Public Retirement System is in the midst of hiring managers to carry out a strategy where more money will be in hedge funds, private equity and real estate than stocks.
Indiana House Dems boot Bauer, install Lawson as leader
Members of the state’s Democratic caucus voted to replace longtime leader Rep. Patrick Bauer on Thursday amid criticism over how he’s handled campaign fundraising and spending heading into the November elections. Rep. Linda Lawson of Hammond was chosen as his replacement.
Bennett rakes in record cash in education race
Reform-minded Superintendent of Public Instruction draws contributions from across the country.
Agency blames caseworker turnover on pay, scrutiny
Indiana's Department of Child Services on Wednesday blamed a combination of low pay and job stress stemming from media coverage of the agency for an increasing turnover rate among child caseworkers.