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.
Local Government
Articles
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.
Council approves new downtown TIF district
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night voted 25-2 to expand the downtown tax-increment financing district to the northeast and northwest.
Fishers debates whether to remain a town or become a city
Voters will be faced with three options for how the town will be governed in the future.
Future of Fishers campaign focuses on ballot questions
Public meetings offer residents opportunity to learn about potential change in northeast-side town’s form of government.
Ballard: Riggs a ‘great choice’ for public safety director
David “Troy” Riggs, who was officially named public safety director of Indianapolis on Tuesday, said he wants to increase the number of police officers on city streets.
Council tables vote on TIF proposal after lawsuit
Facing a lawsuit from a city activist, the Indianapolis City-County Council put off voting Monday night on a long-delayed proposal to expand a downtown tax-increment financing district.
Neighborhoods back new ‘north-midtown’ TIF area
The Indianapolis City-County Council will have more than one big tax-increment finance issue to consider at a meeting Monday night. A new TIF district stretching from Fall Creek to White River along College Avenue will be introduced.
City names new chief for animal care and control
Daniel T. Shackle, an attorney who served as a program manager in the Indianapolis Department of Code Enforcement, takes over for Amber Myers, who submitted her resignation late last month.
Sheriff’s office defends keeping Anderson, Cottey on payroll
Former sheriffs Frank Anderson and Jack Cottey are each being paid $35,000 per year by the Marion County Sheriff’s Department for advice and work on budgeting, jail operations and other issues.
New metropolitan development director named
Adam Thies will succeed Maury Plambeck as director of Indianapolis’ Department of Metropolitan Development, effective Oct. 1. Plambeck will lead a program directing the next RebuildIndy investments into city neighborhoods.
Straub named to lead police in Washington city
The Spokane City Council voted 6-0 Monday night to approve Frank Straub as the city's director of law enforcement.
Anderson officials challenging parts of firefighters’ deal
Officials in Anderson filed a complaint in Madison County Circuit Court this past week challenging portions of the Fire Department contract that prohibit the city from reducing the department's staff or salaries or putting firefighters on furloughs.