State’s local income tax system isn’t keeping up with demand
A report by the Indiana University Public Policy Institute and Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute recommends streamlining the system.
Local Government
Articles
Vote is just first step in changing Fishers to city
New districts must be drawn up for council members, which gives Democrats a glimmer of hope that they might get a voice at the table.
Central Indiana city looks to relax business sign rules
Greenfield officials are proposing new measures to relax the city’s strict sign standards in an effort to be more friendly to businesses.
Voters embrace education reform locally, but not in state race
Three new reform-minded IPS board members could help usher in sweeping changes to the school district. At the state level, however, school librarian Glenda Ritz denied Tony Bennett a second term as voters spurned his sweeping education overhaul.
Reform-minded candidates secure IPS board seats
The Indianapolis Public Schools board will have a new look in the new year.
Johnson County passes tougher smoking law
Johnson County commissioners on Monday morning approved countywide public smoking restrictions that will take effect in January. The ordinance is more restrictive than previous laws passed in Franklin and Greenwood.
Lawmaker cries foul over Fishers vote endorsement
A state lawmaker is taking issue with a group that backs a new "hybrid city" government in an Indianapolis suburb and says she never endorsed the plan.
CIB to fight council’s attempt to take $15 million
The Capital Improvement Board’s directors voted Thursday afternoon on three actions that will circumvent the $15 million payment-in-lieu-of-taxes, or PILOT, which the Indianapolis City-County Council included in the CIB’s budget.
Simon says Sandy caused minimal damage to shopping centers
A company spokesman said damage was minor at Simon’s malls and outlet centers in New York and other areas hit by the storm.
Ballard to nix parts of council budget
Mayor Greg Ballard plans to sign a $1 billion budget plan approved by the Indianapolis City-County Council earlier this month, but only after using his line-item veto powers to kill major portions of it.
City paying $2.3 million to 2 hurt in officer’s crash
The city of Indianapolis will pay $2.3 million to two people seriously injured when their motorcycle was struck by a police cruiser driven by an officer allegedly driving drunk.
Report tallies local government debt loads
A new reporting requirement on local governments gives taxpayers unprecedented access to debt information, but the data is also likely to raise many questions.
Judge: Anderson can lay off firefighters
Circuit Judge Dennis Carroll said in a 27-page ruling Tuesday said that Indiana law gives municipalities the right to lay off employees because of economic conditions.
City or town? Confusing ballot to determine fate of Fishers
A group of Fishers residents is crying foul over questions on the November ballot that will determine whether Fishers remains a town, becomes a “reorganized” city with a council and city manager, or a traditional city with an elected mayor.
City-County Council passes controversial budget
The Indianapolis City-County Council approved a budget Monday night that relies on a $15 million payment from a tax-exempt entity, likely setting the stage for a legal battle, plus difficult negotiations with Mayor Greg Ballard.
Marion County refigures property values amid errors
Indianapolis taxpayers wondering what their property is worth might have to wait until December because of widespread errors discovered in local assessments.
Democrat-controlled committee OKs tapping CIB for $15M
The plan—opposed by Republican Mayor Greg Ballard and members of the CIB—now advances to the City-County Council.
State Senate leader warns city about raiding CIB funds
Council Democrats want to take funds from the Capital Improvement Board’s $67 million cash reserve to help shore up the city’s budget. But State Sen. Luke Kenley lobbed a threat that might make them think twice about pursuing the proposal.
Anderson police fighting city’s planned job cuts
Mayor Kevin Smith has proposed a new city budget that cuts seven police officer and 20 firefighter positions.
CIB standing firm against city plan to tap reserves
The Capital Improvement Board on Monday adopted a formal resolution opposing a plan by some City-County Council Democrats to tap CIB coffers to plug the city’s budget gap.