Latest tweaks to state road-funding bill impact grant program, township trustees
State senators on Tuesday heavily amended a bill that overhauls Indiana’s road-funding formula.
Local Government
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Some local governments are slowing spending as lawmakers debate property tax cuts
The bill would reduce property taxes—and therefore reduce local government revenue—by about $1.4 billion over three years, according to the bill’s fiscal plan.
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Opposition brings likely end to Indiana utility siting bill, but the issue isn’t going away
A key lawmaker called the bill a response to ongoing resistance of local governments to greenlight solar, wind and other renewables projects that are necessary to support the state’s growing energy demands.
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Senate lawmakers scale back Braun’s ambitious property tax proposal in heavily amended bill
The 93-page amendment to Senate Bill 1 introduced Tuesday scrapped an expanded homestead deduction and tax bill caps, which offered the bulk of the plan’s homeowner relief but threatened local government funding.
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Sheridan aims to manage growth with reorganization, but questions remain
The town of Sheridan and Adams Township are looking to merge—a move that would give Sheridan planning and zoning control over an area that is currently unincorporated and is the jurisdiction of county planners.
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Articles
Report says townships fail to disperse emergency help taxpayers are funding
The January report by poverty- and homelessness-focused service providers, titled “Marion County Township Trustees: Opportunities Seized; Opportunities Missed,” is the result of a yearlong investigation.
Groundbreaking planned for $84M overhaul of former downtown jail properties
Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony comes as interior work gets underway on the overhaul of the former jail and Cole Motor Car Co. building, as well as the Arrestee Processing Center immediately north.
Indiana House considers another property tax overhaul solution
Wednesday’s amendment to Senate Bill 1 marked the bill’s third major iteration this session, signaling that legislative leaders have not yet settled on the approach to lower property taxes.
Small town spirit: How Indiana’s rural communities are working to reverse population losses
More than 70% of Indiana’s counties, many of which are rural and also lost population in the 2020 census, are expected to lose residents over the next 30 years.
Bill to exclude Cumberland from UniGov advanced by Senate panel
Lawmakers on the Indiana Senate Local Government Committee voted unanimously Thursday in favor of legislation that would exempt the east-side town of Cumberland from Indianapolis-Marion County consolidated government.
‘I’m no stranger to hard work’: New CEO takes helm of Indianapolis Housing Agency
The troubled housing agency’s new chief executive is credited with leading two public housing agencies out of scandal and federal receivership.
Gov. Mike Braun threatens to veto property tax bill, call special session if more cuts aren’t added
Senate Bill 1, which previously carried Gov. Mike Braun’s ambitious property tax relief plan, was pared down significantly in committee following outcry from local government leaders.
County jails on the hook as state stops paying prisoner costs
County jails haven’t received payments in months, and there are still four months left in the July-to-June fiscal year.
Partisan school boards, payday lending bills move forward
With the committee deadline over, lawmakers are now working with fewer bills in the 2025 session.
UPDATE: Braun says Senate-passed property tax bill ‘has a long way to go’
The Senate-approved tax bill would limit total growth in property tax revenue, which could reduce individual bills. But the Republican governor said the legislation lacks “meaningful tax cuts.”
Lawmakers scrap proposal to increase Indy road funding through property taxes
Indiana lawmakers advanced road-funding legislation Monday morning without a provision that would have allowed Indianapolis to pose a referendum to its residents to pay for road improvements.
Local leaders sound alarm on Braun’s property tax overhaul legislation
Republicans and Democrats testified the bill would decrease local governments’ revenues significantly and affect the quality of some public services.
Cumberland seeks through state legislation to split from Unigov
Leaders for the town, a suburban enclave of just under 3 square miles that straddles the line between Marion and Hancock counties, want to separate from Indianapolis government.
Bill would give Indy residents choice to pay higher taxes for better roads
The measure includes a provision to allow Marion County residents to vote, through a referendum, for property-tax hikes that would be used to pay for road improvements.
Voters approve merger of Sheridan, Adams Township in rural Hamilton County
Sheridan residents approved the merger 73% to 27%, while people in Adams Township voted 62% to 38% to merge the town and township. The reorganization will go into effect Jan. 1.
Food truck operators feel regulatory pinch
All 92 counties in Indiana have their own fee structures and procedures for licensing, and some municipalities charge permitting fees, as well.
Gubernatorial candidates advocate cuts in property taxes, spending in second debate
Voters will have one final televised opportunity to hear from the candidates on Oct. 24 during the Indiana Debate Commission’s debate.
Proposed Indy ordinance aims to rein in unwanted dog population
Under the proposal, Indianapolis residents with one or more dogs that can be bred would be required to sign up for the registry and abide by a set of animal care guidelines.
IBJ Podcast: John Stehr, news anchor turned mayor, on tackling one of Zionsville’s hottest issues
Stehr has jumped into the job with a big-picture vision for addressing how to develop the land just south of Zionsville’s gingerbread-like downtown.